Ursula attacks: Crimean oil terminal burns after Ukrainian attack!

Ursula attacks: Crimean oil terminal burns after Ukrainian attack!

Ukraine is intensifying its military actions against Russia's energy sector to weaken the Kremlin's financial resources and complicate the war against Ukraine. A recent attack on a major oil terminal in Feodosiya, Crimea, the largest of its kind, is part of this strategy.

On October 7, 2024, the Ukrainian army carried out what it called a “successful attack” on this offshore oil terminal, which makes a valuable contribution to the fuel supply of the Russian armed forces. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that the attacks were aimed at endangering the military and economic potential of the Russian Federation.

Fire in oil terminal: Ukraine relies on strategic attacks

After the shelling, a fire broke out in the terminal, spreading over an area of ​​2,500 square meters and apparently destroying several fuel depots. Anton Gerashchenko, a former adviser to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, provided an update on the aftermath of the attack on October 8, noting that several explosions accompanied the nighttime hours. Russian authorities confirmed the fire, but said there were no injuries to the plant's employees.

Additionally, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that a number of Ukrainian drones were shot down over Crimea that same night, totaling 12 out of 21 deployed. This action underlines the ongoing military conflict in the region.

Ukrainian attacks as part of a larger strategy against Russia's energy sector

Ukraine's efforts to hit Russia's energy infrastructure are not new. Since the early days of the Ukraine War, which began in 2022, Ukrainian armed forces have repeatedly carried out targeted attacks on key energy facilities in Russia. A notable incident occurred back in September, when drone attacks took place on the Moscow Refinery, causing significant damage. This shows that Ukraine is eager to further destabilize its neighbor.

Experts say the continued intensification of these attacks could exceed Russia's repair capabilities. Energy analyst Sergey Vakulenko points out that if the level of attacking drones remains the same and with Russian air defenses lacking, the Ukrainian army may be able to damage refineries faster than they can be repaired. This could have devastating long-term effects on the entire Russian oil industry.

The extent of these attacks is attested by various sources. According to a report by Politico, more than a dozen refineries in nine different Russian regions have been attacked this year, helping to take pressure off the front lines of Russia's military strategy.

The impact on the Russian economy should not be underestimated, as the energy sector is one of the most important sources of income for Vladimir Putin. Despite previous sanctions, oil exports remain a significant source of financing for the war, as they are crucial to Russian financial policy. In addition, attacks on oil infrastructure not only affect Russia's economy, but also Russia's security of supply.