Ukraine strikes Russian oil terminal in Novorossiysk with drones
In a significant development that signals a new escalation in the energy war raging on the sidelines of the military conflict, a strategic Russian oil facility in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk suffered extensive damage following a coordinated attack by Ukrainian forces using unmanned surface vessels. This attack targeted not only fixed infrastructure but also two oil tankers belonging to Moscow's so-called "ghost fleet," which it relies on to circumvent Western sanctions.
Targeting the Caspian Sea pipeline consortium
Russian authorities and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) announced that Saturday morning's attack caused significant damage to loading berth number 2, a vital part of the facility that handles approximately 1% of the world's oil supply. This pipeline is a key artery for transporting crude oil from Kazakh fields on the Caspian Sea, through Russian territory, to export terminals on the Black Sea. The operator confirmed the suspension of loading operations and the diversion of tankers outside the pipeline complex's waters to ensure safety, describing the attack as "terrorist," although they confirmed there were no casualties.
Drone warfare and targeting the "ghost fleet"
These attacks come within the context of Ukraine's increasingly reliant strategy of using naval drones to strike at the heart of the Russian economy. Kyiv has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks on two oil tankers, stating that they are part of a fleet used by Russia to circumvent price caps and sanctions imposed on its oil exports. Experts indicate that targeting the port of Novorossiysk carries significant military and economic implications, as it is a major naval base and a logistics hub for energy exports, thus posing unprecedented challenges to maritime security in the Black Sea.
Regional repercussions and global concerns
The attack drew immediate international condemnation, with the Kazakh Ministry of Energy denouncing the incident as a direct threat to global energy security, given Kazakhstan's heavy reliance on this route for exporting its oil to world markets. Markets fear that continued targeting of energy infrastructure in the Black Sea could lead to price volatility and disruptions to supply chains, particularly with the onset of winter and increased global demand.
A complex political and military context in Kyiv
This naval escalation coincides with immense pressure facing the Ukrainian leadership on multiple fronts. On the ground, the Russian military continues its slow but steady advance in eastern Ukraine. Politically, President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration has been rocked by a major corruption scandal, leading to the dismissal of Andriy Yermak, his chief of staff and one of the most powerful figures in the country, in a move aimed at consolidating power internally.
In a parallel move, Zelensky is seeking to strengthen his negotiating position, having sent a high-level delegation headed by Rustam Umarov to the United States to discuss plans to end the war, at a time when the capital, Kyiv, was subjected to violent night attacks by Russian drones that resulted in casualties, reflecting the intensification of the confrontation and the overlap of military and diplomatic tracks.
