Ukrainian drones hit oil hub in russia's krasnodar region

Ukrainian drones hit oil hub in Russia's Krasnodar region

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Russian Energy Infrastructure

March 12 (Reuters) - Ukraine struck an oil pumping station in Russia's Krasnodar region, an official from Ukraine's SBU security service said on Thursday, the latest target of a campaign by Kyiv to attack Russian strategic infrastructure. 

Impact on the Tikhoretsk Oil Hub

The Tikhoretsk hub is one of the largest oil points in southern Russia and is the only supply route for petroleum products to the key Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, the official said, adding that a large-scale fire broke out after the drone strike on Tikhoretsk.

Previous Attacks on Oil Facilities

The Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk was attacked by Ukrainian drones earlier this month, leading to the temporary suspension of oil loadings.

Strategic Importance of Tikhoretsk

The Tikhoretsk hub, operated by pipeline monopoly Transneft, has ample storage and oil mixing facilities, as well as a rail terminal. The oil it pumps is destined both for exports and domestic use, including at Rosneft's Tuapse refinery. Transneft did not reply to a Reuters request for comment. 

Russian Response and Defense Measures

Russia's regional task force said no one had been injured in the drone strike, while the Russian Defence Ministry said that 80 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted and destroyed over Russian regions overnight.

Ukraine's Broader Campaign Against Russian Infrastructure

Kyiv has conducted regular long-range strikes on Russia, aiming to knock out oil refineries, depots and pipelines to cripple Moscow's main source of funding for its war in Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly struck energy infrastructure in Ukraine since it invaded its neighbour in February 2022.

Attacks on Chemical Plants

Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's state-run Centre for Countering Disinformation, said Ukrainian forces have in the past month alone attacked several chemicals plants in Russia producing explosives.

Specific Targets and Operations

Those included two strikes on Metafrax Chemicals, as well as attacks on Dorogobuzh, UralKhim, Akron and KuibyshevAzot, he added.

"Ukraine is gradually destroying Russia's military-industrial complex and its cycles," Kovalenko said on the Telegram messaging app.

Recent Strikes on Missile Component Factories

On Tuesday, Ukraine struck the key Kremniy El factory producing missile components in the Russian border region of Bryansk.

Reporting and Editorial Information

(Reporting by Tom Balmforth, Anna Pruchnicka; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Andrei Khalip)