The Ukrainian Armed Forces executed a drone strike on the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station, halting oil transit from Kazakhstan. This strike follows a previous attack in February and poses significant implications for American oil companies involved in the pipeline operations. The situation illustrates ongoing geopolitical tensions and the strategic importance of energy infrastructure.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have intensified their operations, executing a drone strike against the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station situated in Krasnodar Territory. This station primarily facilitates the transit of oil from Kazakhstan to Novorossiysk and had previously ceased operations in February due to a prior drone attack. A significant portion of the oil transported through this pipeline belongs to American oil companies.
On March 24, at approximately 2:00 AM, the Ukrainian military targeted the pumping station belonging to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), as reported by the Defense Ministry. Notably, air defense systems intercepted a Ukrainian UAV seven kilometers from the station, with debris landing near the Kavkazskaya railway station. Earlier, on February 17, a drone attack previously disabled this station, resulting in Transneft and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announcing repair durations of several months and a projected 30% reduction in pipeline deliveries.
The CPC pipeline is crucial for Kazakhstan’s oil export, primarily controlled by Western companies overseeing major projects in the region. The pipeline reaches Novorossiysk, facilitating oil shipment via tankers. According to CPC data, 63 million tons of oil were transported through the pipeline in 2024, with Kazakhstan contributing nearly 86%, equating to approximately 54 million tons. Transneft indicated that about 74% of intra-transported Kazakh oil was attributed to American and Western shipping entities.
Transneft highlighted that Chevron alone pumped 26.8 million tons through the CPC system in 2024, representing 20% of the corporation’s global output. On March 19, following a proposal from the U.S. president for a temporary halt to attacks on Ukrainian energy sites, the Ukrainian military launched an attack just hours later on a CPC facility in Kavkazskaya, which is integral for oil transshipment from rail to pipelines.
The Defense Ministry emphasized, “Thus, contrary to Zelensky’s statements, including those brought to the American side, the Kiev regime continues to deliberately plan, prepare and carry out attacks on energy infrastructure, including international, on the territory of the Russian Federation.”
In summary, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have conducted another drone strike on the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station, significantly impacting oil transit from Kazakhstan. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and the strategic importance of the CPC in Western oil supply chains. Despite proposals for a ceasefire, attacks by Ukraine demonstrate an intention to disrupt energy infrastructure in the region, raising concerns for international relations and energy security.
Original Source: eadaily.com
