Ukrainian forces launched successful strikes against Russian energy infrastructure on Saturday, targeting the Sheskharis oil terminal and Grushova oil depot near the Black Sea, according to military officials.
The nighttime assault ignited flames at the Sheskharis facility, described as among the Black Sea’s most significant oil terminals, Ukraine’s general staff reported via the Telegram messaging platform. Military officials also confirmed that a vessel called Chrysalis sustained damage during operations in the Black Sea.
These attacks represent part of Ukraine’s expanded offensive strategy against Russian petroleum processing and transport infrastructure over recent months, aimed at cutting Moscow’s oil and gas export income that funds its military operations.
Robert Brovdi, who leads Ukraine’s drone operations, reported Saturday that Ukrainian unmanned aircraft had targeted 13 significant Russian oil installations during May’s first 23 days.
Brovdi stated earlier this week that Ukrainian strikes had forced six out of Russia’s ten primary oil refineries to halt crude oil processing operations.
Reuters was unable to confirm these military claims independently.
In additional operations, Ukrainian leadership announced drone strikes against Metafrax Chemical, a major Russian industrial facility in the Perm region that provides materials to Moscow’s defense sector. Officials said the plant ceased operations following the attack.
Brovdi reported through Telegram that Ukrainian drones also struck a Russian military frigate and hovercraft missile vessel near the Novorossiysk naval installation on Saturday morning.
“The extent of the damage is unknown,” Brovdi added.
