Early on Friday, May 31, Ukrainian forces executed a coordinated attack on an oil and fuel storage facility in the Russian port city of Kavkaz. Utilizing long-range kamikaze drones and modified anti-ship missiles, the strike set at least three fuel reservoirs ablaze. The attack marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s campaign to disrupt Russian logistical operations.
In the morning, drones attacked an oil depot in the Kavkaz Bay on the Chushka Peninsula of the Krasnodar Territory. Tanks caught fire
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Millitary Blitz | Підписатись pic.twitter.com/QgIMdZnzdA
— The Russian Invasion of Ukraine (@wogoa1) May 31, 2024
Both Russian and Ukrainian officials confirmed the details of the attack. Ukraine’s General Staff released a statement claiming responsibility, noting that Neptune missiles fired by a “strike group” were instrumental in hitting the oil terminal in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai region. The Ukrainian news agency UNIAN reported that the missile attack was accompanied by a “massed drone attack,” indicating a multi-faceted approach to the operation.
In addition to the Kavkaz strike, Ukraine’s military released images purportedly showing the aftermath of strikes using U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) in annexed Crimea. The Ukrainian General Staff stated that these strikes targeted the Kerch ferry crossing on May 30, which was crucial for Russian military logistics supporting troops in occupied Crimea.
A broader operation by Ukraine’s Defense Forces and the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) aimed to disrupt Russian supply routes to Crimea, including attacks on substations and power networks. Initial reports suggest that these strikes included missile attacks on ferries used for military logistics and drone strikes on energy substations.
Satellite imagery and reports from independent sources, including Russian news agency Astra and Ukrainian military correspondent Andriy Tsaplienko, confirmed the significant damage caused by the strikes. Flames from the attacked fuel reservoirs were visible from satellite images, underscoring the scale of the blaze. Russian officials, including Veniamin Kontradtev, Governor of Krasnodar region, acknowledged the severity of the fires, categorizing them as “the most dangerous category.”
These strikes are part of an ongoing Ukrainian effort to target critical Russian logistical hubs, including previous attacks on the Kerch Strait Bridge. The Kerch Bridge, a vital link between Russia and Crimea, has been a frequent target for Ukrainian forces aiming to disrupt Russian supply chains.
The strategic implications of these attacks are significant, as Ukraine continues to demonstrate its capability to strike deep into Russian-controlled territory. The effective use of Western-supplied weapons, such as the ATACMS, against heavily defended targets highlights the evolving nature of Ukraine’s military strategy in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
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