(Temryuk, Krasnodar Krai, Russia) – Ukrainian forces on December 5 carried out a drone strike on the liquefied natural gas (LNG) transshipment terminal at the Temryuk Seaport in Russia’s Krasnodar region. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that the attack destroyed approximately 20 storage tanks — about 70 percent of the terminal’s fuel capacity.
The strike, believed to have been executed by a special drone unit of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), ignited a massive fire that reportedly burned for three days. The blaze spread across thousands of square metres after rail tankers, a refuelling container, and a loading-unloading ramp caught fire.
Russian regional authorities confirmed infrastructure damage at the port and stated that all personnel had been evacuated safely. Emergency services deployed dozens of responders and specialized equipment to contain the fire.
The Temryuk port serves as a key transit hub for liquefied hydrocarbon gas and petroleum products, including fuel destined for Russia’s export markets and military supply chain. The destruction of 70 percent of its storage capacity is expected to significantly disrupt Russia’s ability to store and ship liquefied gas.
This strike follows a series of Ukrainian attacks targeting infrastructure supporting Russia’s oil and gas export sector. Naval drone operations have recently damaged several tankers associated with Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the Black Sea, contributing to a sharp rise in war-risk insurance costs for shipping in the region.
The combined impact of infrastructure losses and increased maritime operating expenses is intensifying pressure on Moscow’s energy revenue — a core funding source for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
