The mysterious disappearance of a reservoir an hour’s drive from St. Petersburg has baffled local residents.
Images on social media show an archipelago in place of Lazurnoye Ozero (Azure Lake), a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers measuring roughly 200 meters by 200 meters.
“Unfortunately, Azure Lake decreased significantly in size and swimming there won’t be as comfortable as it was last season,” its operator announced in May.
Comments on the sanatorium’s social media page lamented the lake’s disappearance, with one user writing last week “it’s even sadder there without water.”
Another user speculated that the water may have been pumped out of the reservoir for the construction of a nearby quarry.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
