Ukrainian drones hit Russian tankers and oil terminal’s pipeline at Black Sea port of Taman (updated: PHOTOS, MAP)

Russian port infrastructure was damaged in an overnight drone strike on 21-22 December, with authorities reporting hits on tankers, an oil terminal, and piers in the settlement of Volna, according to the Operational Headquarters of Krasnodar Krai. The affected location is part of the Taman Port area, which lies along Russia’s eastern coast of the Black Sea.

Drones hit tankers, terminals, and piers in Volna

Russia’s Operational Headquarters of Krasnodar Krai said at 10:23 p.m. on 21 December that drone "debris" damaged a pipeline at one of the terminals in Volna, Temriuk district. Officials reported no casualties and said the fire covered 100 square meters. Firefighting and emergency teams were working at the site.

Liga noted that the Volna settlement in Temriuk district hosts part of the large Taman Port. The facility handles export cargo including oil, gas, ammonia, grain, and ore, and has terminals for large vessels.

At 2:39 a.m. on 22 December, the same Russian office reported that two piers and two vessels were damaged by drones in Volna. According to the statement, everyone aboard the ships was evacuated. Authorities said no crew members or onshore personnel were injured. The pier damage led to fires spanning between 1,000 and 1,500 square meters. Emergency and specialized services were continuing firefighting efforts.

The pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Shot said explosions were heard in Slaviansk district on the evening of 21 December, with preliminary reports indicating air defenses were engaging Ukrainian kamikaze drones. 

Shot said locals reported at least five explosions and saw bright flashes in the sky. Engine sounds were also heard. 

Residents told Shot they heard at least ten explosions and saw a glow from the fire. Flashes were visible from the Black Sea side.

According to Krasnodar Krai’s administration, the fire had been extinguished. Two storage tanks were also affected by falling debris. Officials claimed there was no oil spill.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed its forces intercepted 41 fixed-wing drones overnight on 22 December, including three over Krasnodar Krai.

Update: GenStaff confirms strike on Russian energy terminal

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the attack on Russian infrastructure and provided additional details. According to the report, in the early hours of 22 December, Ukrainian Defense Forces targeted the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai as part of efforts to degrade the military-economic potential of the Russian aggressor.

Tamanneftegaz operates the Taman transshipment complex for crude oil, oil products, and liquefied hydrocarbon gases. The strike resulted in a series of explosions, damaging a pipeline, two berths, and at least two vessels.

A fire broke out, affecting an area of over 1,000 square meters and reportedly involving at least one ship. Additionally, a blaze erupted at the terminal’s tank farm, the General Staff said.

The terminal is described as a part of Russia’s energy rear, supporting the financing and logistics of its military operations.