Ukrainian military operations have recently targeted key oil infrastructure in the Krasnodar region of Russia and the occupied territories of Crimea. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that these strikes occurred overnight on April 10-11, 2023.
The attacks focused on the “Krymsk” oil pumping station located in Krasnodar Krai, and the “Hvardijska” oil depot in Crimea. These facilities are critical for supplying fuel to the Russian military, supporting operations including those of the Black Sea Fleet and tactical aviation bases.
In addition to the oil infrastructure, Ukrainian forces successfully struck ammunition depots in the areas of Makendivka and Donetsk in the Donetsk region, as well as Osypenko in Zaporizhzhia. Further operations targeted drone control points in Konovalove, Zaporizhzhia, and Holaya Prystan in Kherson.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces also engaged concentrations of enemy personnel near several settlements, including Stepove in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and Stepnohirske, Pryazovske, and Rybne in Zaporizhzhia.
While the extent of enemy losses and damage caused by these strikes is still being assessed, sources from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) indicated that drones from the SBU’s special operations center, “Alpha,” were involved in the attacks on the Krymsk oil pumping station.
This facility is part of the “Tikhoretsk-Novorossiysk-2” pipeline system and is owned by the Russian company Transneft. It plays a vital role in the transfer and storage of fuel, particularly for military use.
Local authorities reported that the attack on the oil depot resulted in a fire and damage to the infrastructure necessary for the facility’s operation. Eyewitness accounts suggested that the fire may have been exacerbated by debris from downed drones.
The recent strikes reflect ongoing military efforts by Ukraine to disrupt Russian supply lines and diminish the operational capabilities of the occupying forces.
Ukrainian forces have targeted significant oil infrastructure in Crimea and Krasnodar, aiming to disrupt Russian military supply lines. The strikes included attacks on oil pumping stations and ammunition depots, indicating a strategic focus on weakening enemy capabilities.