Russian officials in Tuapse have finally acknowledged dangerous toxin levels in the air, days after Ukrainian drone strikes hit an oil refinery in the Black Sea resort town. The attack on April 16 caused extensive damage and an oil leak, with a second strike on Monday igniting a massive fire that continues to burn.

Late Wednesday, a local emergency task force said air quality monitoring showed benzol, xylene, and soot levels two to three times the safe exposure limit. Residents have documented "black rain" - oily droplets falling from the sky covering animals, cars, and rooftops. The task force advised some residents to stay home but did not explain the delayed warning.

Nearly 300 firefighters are battling the blaze, with smoke stretching for hundreds of miles according to NASA satellite data. Schools and public offices remain open, and hospitals report no patients with toxin exposure symptoms. Ukraine's general staff said the refinery targeted facilities "actively involved in supplying the Russian Army." The fire appears to be the worst environmental disaster for Russia from the Ukraine war since the 2022 invasion.