A video filmed at the Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve in Oman has sparked controversy surrounding Ukrainian influencer Vadym Oleynik and his partner, Olena Kravchenko. The footage shows them on top of a sea turtle and handling hatchlings , which has triggered criticism and an official investigation.
Oleynik is a 32-year-old personal trainer with approximately 200.000 Instagram followers , according to media reports. He was traveling with Kravchenko, a cosmetologist, when the incident occurred, which was recorded on September 28 and later shared on social media.
What can be seen in the Ras Al Jinz video
According to reports published by outlets such as The Sun, the influencer was carrying a baby turtle when she tripped and fell on top of an adult turtle that was trying to escape. She then sat back down on the shell to pose for the camera and, according to these accounts, laughed as the baby turtle thrashed in her hands . Kravchenko was also filmed sitting on the shell of a sea turtle.
The Ras Al Jinz reserve is considered one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles in the area and operates as an ecotourism sanctuary on the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Its rules prohibit touching or disturbing the animals and require visitors to observe them from a safe distance , as well as report any violations.
Investigation and legal measures in Oman
The Oman Environment Authority has confirmed that the incident is under investigation and that legal action has been taken against those responsible. Various international media outlets have reported that the couple was detained at Oman's airport , although no formal charges have been filed so far.
The video sparked outrage online and was removed after being shared. While authorities have not specified the extent of the sanctions, the case remains open and falls under the wildlife protection regulations that apply to natural areas in Oman.
Reactions from organizations and apology from the influencer
The Ukrainian NGO United For Animals was one of the first to condemn the behavior. It denounced the "savagery and total disregard for life" shown towards a turtle that was laying eggs and argued that treating living beings as toys or merchandise represents a moral failure in the 21st century.
An Italian conservation project also joined the criticism, stating that the animal is not a chair or a park bench . According to The Sun, the organization called the scene disgusting and spoke of exploitation, mistreatment, and abuse , reminding everyone that sea turtles are wild animals that should not be touched or used for photographs.
Oleynik offered a public apology on Instagram. “I didn’t see the rules. I made a mistake and I apologize to everyone,” the trainer stated, acknowledging that he did not respect the regulations regarding animal handling within the nature reserve. The apology, however, has not closed the investigation.
What does this mean for European visitors?
The case has garnered attention in Europe because the protagonist is a Ukrainian content creator with an international audience. For those traveling to destinations with protected wildlife, the episode serves as a stark warning: the rules of each reserve are not mere advice , and violations can have legal consequences, even if they occur during a leisure trip.
Sea turtles are wild animals and especially vulnerable during nesting. Conservation organizations insist that the proper course of action is to keep your distance , not interfere with their journey to the sea, and avoid flash photography, noise, or direct contact. In this case, the dissemination of the video has served as a global reminder of these boundaries.
The controversy surrounding the events in Ras Al Jinz leaves several questions unanswered: Oman's investigation, potential sanctions, and the true extent of Vadym Oleynik's apology. What media outlets and animal protection organizations repeatedly emphasize is that respect for wildlife allows no shortcuts or public displays , especially in a nesting area where every action can disrupt the behavior of a protected species.