ukraine Drone Attack Disrupts Russian Oil Exports
A Ukrainian drone attack on the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk has temporarily halted oil exports, impacting approximately 2% of global oil supplies, according to Reuters.
Damage to Oil Infrastructure
Novorossiysk is a key Russian oil export hub. Local authorities report drone strikes damaged two quays at the Sheskharis oil terminal, a quay ship, and an oil depot. Three crew members sustained injuries.
Veniamin Kondratyev, governor of the Krasnodar region, stated on social media that over 170 personnel and 50 vehicles were deployed to address the aftermath, extinguishing fires and assisting residents.
Impact on Global Supply
Industry sources estimate the disruption affects 2.2 million barrels per day of oil. Novorossiysk exported 3.22 million tons of crude oil in October – equivalent to 761,000 barrels per day - and a total of 24.716 million tons in the first ten months of the year. The attack triggered a more than 2% increase in oil prices due to supply concerns.
Transneft, Russia’s pipeline monopoly, has temporarily suspended supplies to Novorossiysk but has not yet issued a formal statement.
escalating Attacks & Ukrainian Response
This attack represents one of the largest targeting Russian oil infrastructure in recent months. Ukraine has previously conducted long-range drone and naval strikes against ports and refineries in both the Baltic and Black Seas, aiming to disrupt Russia’s war financing.
Ukrainian President volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Kyiv launched “Long Neptune” cruise missiles at targets within Russia overnight, noting increased success in such operations. “We are producing more,” Zelenskyy stated alongside video footage of the missile launches, as reported by Newsweek.
Damage extended beyond the oil port, impacting residential buildings, coastal structures, and grain depots. Reports indicate a crane,several containers,and an unsanctioned container ship were also damaged.
