Kazakhstan Condemns Ukraine for Attacks on Black Sea Oil Terminal

Kazakhstan has issued a strong condemnation of Ukraine following a naval drone attack on critical energy infrastructure in the Black Sea. The attack, which occurred on December 2, 2023, severely damaged one of the loading points of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) in Novorossiysk, a major Russian port city. The Kazakhstani Foreign Ministry stated that the CPC is vital for the stability of the global energy system and expressed concern that such actions could harm bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

The attack has forced the CPC to temporarily shut down a key section of its pipeline, which spans over 930 miles and connects oil fields in western Kazakhstan and Russian offshore fields in the Caspian Sea to the marine terminal in Novorossiysk. This pipeline serves as the primary export route for Kazakh oil, facilitating approximately 80% of the country’s oil exports. According to the CPC, the naval drone strike on its Single-Point Mooring (SPM) 2 caused “significant damage,” rendering it inoperable until repairs are completed.

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry emphasized in a statement, “We view what has occurred as an action harming the bilateral relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Ukraine, and we expect the Ukrainian side to take effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.” This direct criticism of Ukraine marks a rare moment of escalation between the two countries, both of which were once part of the Soviet Union.

The CPC confirmed that loading operations at the damaged terminal have ceased, and tankers have been withdrawn from the area. “Further operation of Single Point Mooring 2 is not possible,” the consortium stated, highlighting the impact this incident will have on Kazakh oil exports. The situation underscores the vulnerability of energy infrastructure in the region, particularly amid ongoing tensions related to the broader conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Kazakhstan is now compelled to explore alternative routes for its oil exports as a result of the disruption. The attack has not only raised concerns about energy security in Kazakhstan but also elicited a strong response from Moscow. Russian officials have denounced the Ukrainian drone strikes as acts of terrorism and accused European powers of engaging in hybrid warfare against Russia.

While tensions escalate over the Black Sea attacks, Ukraine faces its own challenges. The country continues to endure devastating aerial attacks from Russia targeting its energy grid as winter approaches. This has resulted in widespread power outages, complicating the situation for civilians and the government alike.

In Europe, Hungary has expressed frustration with Ukraine’s attacks on energy infrastructure, including disruptions to crude oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline. This pipeline, which transports oil from Russia to Hungary and Slovakia, experienced interruptions earlier this year due to Ukrainian drone strikes that crippled critical transformer stations.

As the geopolitical landscape becomes increasingly complex, the ramifications of the recent attack on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium will likely resonate throughout the region, affecting not only Kazakhstan and Ukraine but also broader energy dynamics in Europe and beyond. The situation remains fluid, with all parties watching closely as developments unfold.