Three people were killed after sea mines drifted too close to Zatoka Beach near Odesa, southern Ukraine. The victims — two men and a woman — were swimming in prohibited waters when the explosions occurred about 165 feet from shore.
Regional governor Oleh Kiper confirmed all three were killed instantly, warning that entering unchecked waters is “fatally dangerous.” Authorities have repeatedly cautioned tourists to stay out of closed areas along the Black Sea since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Many beaches have been shut down due to the risk of sea mines, unexploded mortars, and aerial bombs. Both Russia and Ukraine have deployed mines in the Black Sea since 2022, and shifting tides or strong currents can carry them toward shore.
According to local police, two separate explosions of unknown objects caused the fatalities. The identities of the deceased are still being established, as reported by the BBC.
The Black Sea, once a top holiday destination, has now become one of the most hazardous places to swim. Officials stress that even beaches declared safe on land may still be dangerous in the water.
The incident is a grim reminder of the lingering dangers posed by the war. Even far from active battlefields, remnants of the conflict threaten civilians daily.
In a separate development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025, in hopes of finding a resolution to the ongoing war. The meeting is drawing significant international attention.
Some media outlets report Trump may also invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to join the talks. Details of the meeting are still being finalized, but hopes remain for progress toward ending the conflict.
