(NOVOROSSIYSK, RUSSIA) – Ukraine has struck Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk again, targeting oil infrastructure and military assets as conflict in the Middle East pushes global energy prices higher.
Ukrainian drones hit the oil terminal at Novorossiysk, igniting a large fire visible in video footage. The facility sits beside the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Satellite imagery showed at least one warship ablaze in harbour. The United States had previously urged Kyiv to avoid striking the terminal, but Ukraine proceeded with the attack.
Six of seven oil loading berths at the terminal were reported damaged or destroyed. A naval vessel was hit, along with an S300 radar and a Pantsir S2 air defence system. The port has become a key refuge for Russia’s fleet, which no longer patrols the Black Sea regularly due to persistent Ukrainian drone operations.
Ukraine also struck the Ukhta refinery in the Komi Republic, around 1,700 kilometres from its border. The refinery produces 4.2 million tonnes of petroleum products annually and was hit twice, first on 12 February and again overnight.
Separately, a tanker linked to Russia’s so called shadow fleet, the Arctic Metagas, caught fire off Malta. Details remain unclear. Another tanker, Skylight, was reportedly struck near the Strait of Hormuz, along with the MKD Vion off Oman.
According to Ukraine’s Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukrainian forces regained 37 square kilometres in February, mainly in Zaporizhzhia and Luhansk regions, exceeding territorial losses for the month. Russian forces suffered heavy casualties for limited gains, estimated at 425 square kilometres.
Kyiv also destroyed a Buk M1 air defence system and a Kasta 2E radar in Zaporizhzhia. Peace talks remain stalled. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected proposals to exchange parts of Donbas for less strategic border areas.
In the Middle East, US and Israeli strikes on Iran have escalated tensions across the Gulf. Brent crude rose from about 60 dollars per barrel to 82 dollars per barrel. At the same time, Russia’s Urals crude reached 59.80 dollars per barrel, approximately in line with Moscow’s 2026 budget assumptions.
Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a 33 kilometre wide shipping lane between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, but has not deployed sea mines. Five oil tankers have been attacked. Qatar, which accounts for roughly 20 per cent of global liquefied natural gas supply, has suspended LNG exports after facilities were hit and shipping routes disrupted.
Natural gas prices in the United Kingdom have risen but remain below peaks seen in 2022 and 2023. OPEC Plus has signalled higher output, though alternatives to Gulf exports remain limited.
President Zelenskyy warned that competing conflicts are straining global air defence supplies. He offered to deploy Ukrainian drone interceptor units to Gulf states, citing an 80 per cent success rate against Iranian made Shahed drones, in exchange for economic pressure on Russia.
US Central Command confirmed six American service members were killed in Kuwait. Reports indicate the facility lacked adequate counter rocket and drone defences.
Russia’s dictator Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Iran’s leadership following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Moscow had previously avoided endorsing such action publicly. Kremlin state media commentators acknowledged that no effective counterweight currently restrains Washington’s actions.
European leaders moved to reinforce regional security. France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to expand France’s nuclear arsenal and deepen cooperation with European partners. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed plans for closer nuclear coordination, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Warsaw was discussing advanced deterrence options with allies.
Lithuania raised 5.1 million euros for Ukrainian drones. European officials stressed continued support for Kyiv as global instability intensifies.
