In the early hours of May 23, Ukrainian military forces targeted the “Sheskharis” oil terminal located in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, Russia. The attack resulted in a fire at the terminal, which is one of the largest oil facilities on the Black Sea and part of the Transneft system.
The terminal plays a crucial role in the export of oil and petroleum products and is also involved in supporting the logistical needs of the Russian military, according to the Ukrainian General Staff.
Additionally, the “Grushova” oil depot, a significant part of the “Sheskharis” complex, was also struck, leading to another fire. This depot is one of the largest storage facilities in southern Russia, with a capacity of approximately 1.2 to 1.4 million cubic meters, and is used for the storage and transportation of oil and oil products.
Reports indicate that the Ukrainian forces also attacked a location in the Black Sea where Russian naval vessels are based, confirming damage to the tanker CHRYSALIS. Russian authorities have yet to comment on these incidents.
In the morning following the attack, the operational headquarters of Krasnodar Krai reported that drone debris had fallen on the oil depot, igniting several technical and administrative buildings. The report also mentioned fragments landing on the fuel terminal, but further details about the consequences were not provided.
Meanwhile, Russian media outlet Astra reported that the fire originated at the “Grushova” oil depot, noted as the largest oil storage facility in Russia located in the Caucasus region. Smoke was also seen rising from the “Sheskharis” terminal, which has previously been targeted multiple times.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that it had destroyed 348 Ukrainian drones overnight, although independent verification of this statement is lacking.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion by Russia, various sites within the country have been subjected to aerial strikes. The Ukrainian General Staff has confirmed many of these attacks, stating that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are systematically implementing measures to diminish the combat capabilities of Russian occupying forces and to compel Russia to cease its armed aggression against Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces launched a significant strike on the "Sheskharis" oil terminal in Novorossiysk, resulting in fires at key oil facilities. This attack underscores ongoing military actions aimed at disrupting Russian logistics amid the ongoing conflict.