Brief version of the news
- Ukraine attacked oil depots and terminals in Novorossiysk, causing great damage.
- The blow to the sea and the oil refinery destroyed part of the Russian export potential.
- The attack on Novorossiysk is important because it could significantly affect countries that transport oil through Russia.
On the night of May 17, it was hot in Novorossiysk. Ukraine attacked at least 2 oil depots and 2 terminals. There was also a “pop” in the seaport and at the Tuapse oil refinery.
Military expert, head of the Center for Military Legal Research Alexander Musienko and political strategist Boris Tizengauzen on air 24 Channel explained why the attack on Novorossiysk is very important.
Big losses
Boris Tizenhausen said that a significant event had occurred – Ukrainian drones attacked the largest Russian seaport in Novorossiysk. The drones managed to damage two terminals out of more than 12 available. We are talking about the Novorossiysk fuel oil terminal and the Importpischeprom terminal – in the latter, the UAV hit two fuel tanks. The territory also contains oil from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
Previously, there was only one strike on Novorossiysk, when on August 3, 2023, Ukraine damaged the large landing ship “Olenegorsky Miner”. At the same time, this time it was possible to undermine Russia’s export potential by billions – billions of dollars. Now for all countries that export their oil through an aggressor country, insurance amounts and the perception of relations with the Kremlin will change significantly.
Novorossiysk is already a relatively safe port. One more blow and a third of foreign companies will fold and look for alternative ways. This is the importance of the blow,” the political strategist emphasized.
Skillful work
This is the second time Ukrainian drones have struck the Tuapse Oil Refinery. The first attack took place in early March, the occupiers had just repaired the plant, and on May 17, two UAVs hit the plant again. and money was invested in repairs. Moods worsen. This demotivates the people who work there. Investors and Kremlin elites are also worried. A whole range of problems,” said Alexander Musienko.
Ukrainian drone operators worked meticulously and brilliantly. After all, they ended up in an oil processing plant – this is the most valuable thing there is. Without this element, the refinery cannot operate.
Consequences of attacks on Russian facilities
- The Pentagon intelligence service said that Ukrainian UAV strikes on Russian energy infrastructure in early 2024 led to the incapacity of 14% of the country's oil refining capacity and an increase in fuel prices in the country.
- Russia introduces restrictions on the export of gasoline and begins to import petroleum products from other countries to compensate for losses – Belarus and Kazakhstan.
- In April, Russia even turned to Kazakhstan with a request to create a reserve fund of 100,000 tons of gasoline.
- In the first quarter of 2024, Russia's gas producing monopoly received sales losses of almost 47 billion rubles ( $501 million).
