In the early hours of April 6, 2024, an oil pipeline in the Azov region of Rostov Oblast, Russia, was sabotaged, resulting in a halt to the transfer of oil products from a local oil depot to tankers at the “Azov Sea Port.” The Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR) reported the incident, noting that the pipeline was used by the aggressor state for military purposes.
The explosion has led to an indefinite suspension of tanker loading with oil products, causing disruptions in the supply chain. The intelligence agency is currently assessing the extent of the damage and the potential impact on Russian military logistics.
This incident is part of a series of attacks on Russian infrastructure amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The targeting of such facilities indicates a strategic approach to undermining Russia’s capabilities.
Over the past months, there have been several similar incidents targeting Russian oil infrastructure, indicating a pattern of strategic strikes. In February, Ukrainian long-range kamikaze drones targeted an oil depot in Kursk, western Russia, causing a large fire. This was part of Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russian logistics and target military assets.
In January several drones struck a facility in Oryol, causing damage to the Oryolnefteprodukt oil depot and an Oryolenergo energy provider building. Besides, a drone raid set ablaze a vacuum distillation column at an oil refinery in Tuapse City. This attack was part of a series of fires at fuel facilities across Russia, disrupting logistics and industrial operations.
