Ukrainian drones have struck the Russian maritime port of Tuapse and its oil refinery, as reported by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on May 1. The attack resulted in a fire involving oil and fuel mixture in storage tanks, with plumes of black smoke rising over the terminal.
The SBU emphasized that the oil terminal and refinery in Tuapse are critical components of Russia’s oil production and export infrastructure. The refinery is notably the only oil processing facility on the Black Sea coast, with an annual capacity of nearly 12 million tons of oil.
Additionally, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed damage to the oil refinery in Tuapse and reported incidents in the Perm region, where a primary oil processing unit suffered damage, leading to a fire at the facility.
Ukrainian defense forces also targeted a Russian Buk-M3 missile system in occupied Donetsk, along with several ammunition depots and command points in the occupied territories.
Russian military authorities have not commented on the damage to military assets. Independent verification of the attack’s aftermath by Radio Free Europe remains unfeasible.
Earlier on May 1, Russian officials reported the fourth attack on oil infrastructure in Tuapse within recent weeks. According to the regional operational headquarters, a fire occurred at the maritime terminal due to the drone attack on the night of May 1.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion by Russia, various sites within the country have been subjected to aerial attacks. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has acknowledged many of these strikes, stating that Ukrainian forces are systematically implementing measures aimed at diminishing the combat capabilities of Russian occupying forces and compelling Russia to cease its armed aggression against Ukraine.
Ukrainian drones have targeted key oil infrastructure in Tuapse, leading to significant fires and damage. This incident is part of ongoing military actions aimed at undermining Russian military capabilities amid the conflict.