Each year, millions of birds stop over on a tender spit of land in Bessarabia between the Danube and the Dniester during spring and fall migrations to rest and regain strength as they head south. As they fly over, they might recognize the outlines of the Tuzly Lagoons to resemble the crown of Poseidon—that’s how it’s described on the National Nature Park’ official website. A group of 13 lagoons are located in the National Park. Here, along the sea, among the forest and steppe, were the paths of ancient peoples: Samraths, Scythians, and Cimmerians.
Recently, the site became a destination for tourists eager to spot dolphins by the sea and watch the August starfalls. However, since 2022, instead of star falls, the Russian navy and its shells have dominated the area. Birds have left their nests, and dolphins, disoriented by the explosions, have begun to wash ashore. For the “Fragile Shores” series I traveled to Tuzly Lagoons to document the ecocide committed by the Russian army.
The project was created with the help of Solomiya magazine and IWM «Documenting Ukraine» grant.
Drone photography : Igor Ischuk
