Ukrainian drones targeted a key pumping station in southern Russia, disrupting oil supplies from Kazakhstan and causing reduced pumping levels. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) confirmed the attack overnight, stating that seven explosive-laden drones struck the Kropotkinskaya pumping station.
The 1,500-kilometer pipeline, operated by a consortium including Russian and Kazakh governments, as well as Western energy majors Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell, carries Kazakh oil across southern Russia for export via the Black Sea. No injuries were reported, but staff prevented an oil spill.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted and destroyed 90 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 83 out of 147 drones launched by Russia. Ukrainian grid operator Ukrenergo announced emergency power outages in some regions due to Russian attacks on energy facilities.
Source: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/02/17/ukrainian-drones-hit-major-pipeline-in-southern-russia-disrupting-oil-supplies-a88043