Ukraine’s Long-Range Drones Hit Russia’s Tuapse Oil Port, Disrupting Energy Exports
Ukraine has launched a long-range drone attack on Russia’s Tuapse oil port in the southern Krasnodar region, striking one of the country’s key energy export hubs. The overnight assault triggered a massive fire at fuel storage facilities and temporarily halted operations at the Black Sea terminal, according to reports from The Independent and Reuters.
Several long-range kamikaze drones hit storage tanks and two oil tankers docked at the port. The fire burned for more than five hours before being contained by emergency crews. No casualties were reported, but satellite images and local officials confirmed significant damage to vital energy infrastructure.
The Tuapse terminal is one of Russia’s main routes for crude oil exports to Asia and Europe. The attack is part of Ukraine’s ongoing air campaign targeting Russia’s energy network — an effort aimed at reducing Moscow’s oil revenues that help fund its war in Ukraine. Analysts described the Tuapse strike as one of the most far-reaching Ukrainian drone attacks in recent months.
Ukraine’s drone unit commander, Robert Brovdi, said the operation was designed to “cripple Russia’s war machine from within.” He claimed Ukraine’s new domestically produced drones can reach targets over 1,000 kilometers away, showing a major leap in range and precision.
The Russian government called the incident an act of “energy terrorism” and accused Kyiv of acting under Western direction. Military analysts, however, say the attack exposes weaknesses in Russia’s southern air defenses, especially in regions once considered secure from long-range threats.
The assault also shook global energy markets. Oil prices edged slightly higher in early trading amid concerns about potential disruptions to Russian crude exports. Experts estimate that damage at Tuapse could reduce Russia’s export capacity by 10 to 15 percent in the short term, depending on how quickly repairs are made.
The Tuapse drone strike marks a new stage in the Russia–Ukraine conflict. For Kyiv, it demonstrates an ability to hit deep inside Russian territory without direct NATO support. For Moscow, it highlights that its critical infrastructure remains vulnerable — even far from the front lines.