Ukrainian Drones Halt Oil Exports From Russian Port of Tuapse

Fuel exports through the seaport of Tuapse have been suspended following an attack by Ukrainian drones.

Reuters reported the disruption, citing industry sources and data from LSEG’s ship-tracking system.

At the time of the attack on November 2, three tankers were in the port being loaded. By November 5, all three were anchored near Tuapse and removed from their berths.

According to the news agency, the oil refinery located at the port also suspended operations. The suspension was due to damage to the port infrastructure, making it impossible to process crude oil.

The Tuapse terminal had been expected to increase oil product exports in November. However, the drone attack disrupted these plans, affecting the delivery and loading schedules of vessels.

The Tuapse oil terminal is a key part of Russia’s export infrastructure, supplying oil mainly to China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkey.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also confirmed the strikes on the terminal.

An oil spill was reported during the attack. The BBC published a satellite image showing an oil slick extending nearly 3.6 kilometers from the terminal into the sea.

This is not the first attack on the port of Tuapse. In February, Ukrainian drones struck oil terminal facilities in the area.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine coordinated the latest operation alongside other defense forces.

Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk stated that the consequences of the Tuapse strike will have a long-term impact on the Russian economy. Damage to strategic infrastructure will affect not only crude oil export volumes but also international companies’ confidence in Russian ports.