By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On December 22nd, Ukrainian drones targeted the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal in Volna, Krasnodar Krai, resulting in damage to equipment, the liquefied hydrocarbon gas pier, and port infrastructure, which caused a large-scale fire. The attack also damaged a pipeline, two berths, and two ships, with the fire spreading over a vast area, including a ship and the tank farm area. This oil terminal, one of the largest in the Black Sea region, handles crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied hydrocarbon gases. This attack is part of a pattern of Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities aimed at disrupting military logistics.
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Ukraine confirms 2 ships, oil pipeline damaged in drone strike on Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, and honestly, the scale of this conflict is hard to truly grasp. It’s a sobering thought that the constant barrage of hits on infrastructure, regardless of the target, is now commonplace. While we’re talking about Ukraine confirming damage to Russian assets, it’s worth considering the sheer resilience – or perhaps the desperation – of Russia’s economy. The fact that things keep getting hit, and yet, somehow, they keep functioning is, in its own way, remarkable.
The recent attacks, including the confirmation of damage to two ships and an oil pipeline in the Krasnodar Krai region, are another chapter in this ongoing war of attrition. The focus on energy infrastructure is particularly noteworthy. Russia’s dependence on oil and gas revenue has made them a prime target, a situation that some have accurately described as resembling “a gas station pretending to be a country”. The implications are far-reaching. The initial impact of these strikes can include fires, with spreading flames, which is a serious safety concern. Beyond immediate damage, the long-term effects of attacks on oil and gas facilities will include increases to the cost of shipping due to more expensive insurance premiums.
The constant cycle of damage and repair is one of the most visible aspects of this conflict. It also raises broader ecological concerns, which are impossible to ignore. A large and active oil complex, described as being one of the largest in the Black Sea region, is at the heart of this. While the Russians are busy restoring their energy infrastructure after each strike, similar efforts are made by the Ukrainians, who receive Western backing. This type of warfare highlights how damaging it can be, especially when the goal is to target and cripple the economy by slowly eroding the means of production.
The ongoing conflict is demonstrating how the arms industry could change in the next few years. Low-priced drones dominate every theater. The costs and risks of using stealth planes and machinery have caused an even bigger impact than previously estimated. The question of alternative fuels is becoming more pressing as well, as Russia’s dependence on fuel creates vulnerabilities. The focus is shifting toward vehicles with better defenses against drones. Every piece of machinery that Russia has is highly flammable and relies solely on quantity.