Strategic Energy Blow: Ukraine’s Strike On Novorossiysk Terminal Brings Ukraine War Winter Attacks To A Peak; Negotiations Suspended
FOREIGN NEWS SERVICE – As harsh winter conditions begin to set in for the Russia-Ukraine war, which pits Russia against the Western alliance, fighting on the frontline is intensifying. The intensity of the Ukraine War Winter Attacks has peaked, with both sides targeting critical infrastructure.
⛽ Strategic Energy Strikes And The Cost
Ukraine’s latest strikes against Russian energy infrastructure directly targeted Moscow’s war financing capabilities.
- Novorossiysk Hit: The major oil terminal in the port city of Novorossiysk, a key center for Russia’s Black Sea logistics and energy infrastructure, temporarily suspended operations following Ukrainian attacks. The Sheskharis terminal handles approximately 2% of global oil exports. Several coastal facilities were reported damaged in the attack.
- Kyiv’s Rationale: Ukraine views Russian oil refineries and petrochemical facilities as legitimate targets because they help finance the war against Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the attacks in a post on his X account: “For the first time since the start of the war, a noticeable decline in Russia’s oil production and refining has been recorded this year.” Zelensky added that Russia would lose at least $37 billion in budget oil and gas revenues by the end of the year.
💣 Russia’s Retaliation And Civilian Casualties
The attack on Novorossiysk was followed immediately by retaliatory strikes launched by Russia against Kyiv. Russia struck Kyiv overnight with drones and missiles.
- Casualty Toll: These attacks in the capital city of Kyiv resulted in the deaths of at least six people, injured 14, and set numerous apartment buildings ablaze. In addition, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that they had gained control of the settlement of Yablokovo in the Zaporizhzhia Region, confirming advances on the frontline as well.
geopolitics And Azerbaijan Crisis
The intensification of the fighting also created tension on the diplomatic front.
- Embassy Strain: A crisis between Russia and Azerbaijan erupted after a missile struck the Azerbaijani embassy during Russian attacks on Kyiv. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a diplomatic note to Russia following the damage to its embassy in Kyiv. This incident has strained Moscow’s relationship with regional allies.
🕊️ Negotiations Halted: Hopes Postponed
Efforts to bring the war to an end have also stalled amidst the violence.
- Kyiv’s Decision: Ukraine’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergiy Kyslytsya, announced in an interview with the British press that Kyiv had decided to suspend contacts with Moscow. The justification for this decision was the lack of significant progress achieved in Russia-Ukraine negotiations.
- The Kremlin’s Response: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted to Ukraine’s decision to halt negotiations, stating that Russia would continue its military activities, which it calls the “special military operation,” due to Ukraine’s lack of intent to negotiate. Consequently, the door to diplomacy has closed once again.
As tensions and standoffs continue, the U.S. and NATO are increasing military support to Kyiv. Meanwhile, the EU is attempting to put economic pressure on Russia through new sanctions packages.
