Tensions between Kazakhstan and Ukraine have risen after a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s Novorossiysk port damaged critical energy infrastructure used to ship Kazakh oil to global markets.
The incident occurred on Saturday, when unmanned surface vessels hit a mooring system at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) marine terminal. The attack forced a temporary halt to loading operations. According to CPC, no casualties were reported and no oil leaked into the Black Sea, but several pipelines were shut down and the timeline for resuming normal shipments remains uncertain due to security risks.
“Shipments will proceed in accordance with established protocols once threats from unmanned vessels and drones are removed,”
— CPC said.
The consortium includes companies from Russia, Kazakhstan, the United States, and several Western European states. It is a major exporter of crude from Kazakhstan’s Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak fields, moving about 63 million tons of oil in 2024, roughly 74% of which belonged to foreign operators such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, KazMunayGas, Eni, and Shell.
Kazakhstan Issues Sharp Protest
Kazakhstan—Central Asia’s largest Muslim-majority nation—has taken a neutral stance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The country maintains close ties with Moscow while occasionally expressing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
However, the latest attack prompted an unusually strong response from Astana. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called it the third act of aggression against a civilian facility protected under international law and warned that it undermines global energy stability.
“Kazakhstan consistently advocates for stable and uninterrupted energy supplies,” the ministry said. “We view this incident as harmful to Kazakhstan-Ukraine relations and expect the Ukrainian side to take effective steps to prevent similar actions.”
Moscow echoed Kazakhstan’s criticism, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova labeling the strike “terrorist” and noting that Kazakh officials had already filed an official protest.
Ukraine Denies Targeting Kazakhstan
Ukraine rejected claims that it intended to harm Kazakh interests, insisting that the operation targeted Russian infrastructure as part of its self-defense efforts.
“No Ukrainian actions are directed against the Republic of Kazakhstan or any third party,” Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. “All efforts are aimed at stopping full-scale Russian aggression, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.”
Kyiv also pointed out that Kazakhstan has not condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilians, residential areas, and energy infrastructure, including facilities near nuclear power plants.
- Kazakhstan–Ukraine relations strain after a Ukrainian drone strike damages oil infrastructure in Russia’s Novorossiysk port.
- Kazakhstan, a neutral actor in the Russia–Ukraine war, issues an unusually sharp protest.
- Unmanned vessels hit a mooring device at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal.
- Operations were suspended, with pipelines temporarily closed due to security concerns.
- No casualties or oil spills were reported in the Black Sea.
- Astana calls the incident the third act of aggression against a civilian facility protected under international law.
- Warns the strike threatens global energy stability and harms bilateral ties with Ukraine.
- Demands Ukraine take measures to prevent similar incidents.
- Russia labels the attack “terrorist” and notes Kazakhstan filed an official protest.
- Ukraine denies targeting Kazakhstan, saying the operation was aimed solely at countering Russian aggression.
- Kyiv highlights that Kazakhstan has not condemned Russia’s strikes on Ukrainian civilians and energy systems.
- Ukraine cites its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
- CPC transports oil from Kazakhstan’s major fields: Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak.
- In 2024, it shipped roughly 63 million tons of crude, 74% belonging to foreign operators including Chevron, ExxonMobil, KazMunayGas, Eni, and Shell.
- CPC emphasizes it is not under international sanctions and protects the interests of Western shareholders.
Rising Tensions
Details of the Attack
Kazakhstan’s Response
Reactions from Russia
Ukraine’s Position
CPC Background
