Ukraine launched a series of drone strikes on critical oil infrastructure in the Krasnodar Krai in southern Russia on Monday, according to officials and local media.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) confirmed that its largest oil pumping station in Russia, the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station was damaged, forcing oil transport to operate at reduced levels.
“At the moment, the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station has been taken out of operation. Oil transportation through the Tengiz–Novorossiysk pipeline system is being carried out at reduced pumping rates, bypassing the station,” CPC’s statement reads.
CPC said the consortium employees prevented the threat of an oil spill through coordinated efforts.
The 1,500-kilometer (930-mile) pipeline, operated by the consortium, which involves Russian and Kazakh governments along with major Western energy companies such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell, plays a crucial role in global energy supply. In 2024, it delivered over 63 million tons of oil to international markets.
Ukrainian drones hit key Russian oil facilities in Krasnodar Krai overnight — the Ilsky Oil Refinery, which processes 6.6 million tons of oil per year, and the Kropotkinskaya Oil Pumping Station, the largest oil pumping station of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.
As a result of… pic.twitter.com/QlQ7ksaq68
— KyivPost (@KyivPost) February 17, 2025
The Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai was also targeted by recent drone strikes. Residents reported hearing explosions around 1:30 a.m. local time.
The refinery, located in the Seversky district, processes up to 6.6 million tons of oil annually. Ukrainian officials described the site as a strategic target that contributes to Russia’s military logistics.
There were no immediate reports of casualties at the pumping station or the refinery.
🔥👀 Ilsky Oil Refinery in Krasnodar Krai: its capacity is about 6.6 million tons of oil per year, – Head of CPD Kovalenko
The plant specializes in the production of fuel, fuel oil, gas oil and other petroleum products.
Its importance for the Russian army lies in providing… pic.twitter.com/kahH0PudSj
— MAKS 24 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) February 17, 2025
Ukraine has escalated attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in recent months, viewing oil facilities as key financial assets that support Moscow’s war effort. The latest strikes follow a similar attack on the Afipsky oil refinery in the same region on Feb. 10.
🔥 UAV hit the Afipsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai at night (capacity of 6.25 million tons of oil per year.) pic.twitter.com/iNxGlJL9wW
— MAKS 24 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) February 10, 2025
