Kazakhstan warns Ukraine over attacks on oil tankers

Kazakhstan has issued a stern warning to Ukraine, demanding an immediate halt to drone attacks targeting tankers that transport Kazakh oil from a Black Sea export terminal. The Kazakh Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as an "unacceptable encroachment on the country's economic interests," accusing the perpetrators of aiming to disrupt international trade and reserving the right to seek compensation for damages.

The statement follows attacks on July 17 and 19, when drones struck the tankers "Asia" and "Nissos Ios" as they were being loaded with Kazakh oil at the Novorossiysk terminal. While no injuries were reported and oil spills were avoided, the incidents have caused concern. Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry expressed worry that a previously established system for exchanging information about civilian vessels entering the Black Sea to load oil was "deliberately ignored," jeopardizing the lives of seafarers.

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unacceptable encroachment on the country's economic interests

Kazakhstan urged all parties to adhere to international law and take measures to prevent future attacks. The Novorossiysk terminal temporarily suspended operations following the strikes on "Asia" and "Nissos Ios." Further attacks occurred overnight into July 20, with a drone hitting the tanker "Nelsa," causing a fire. The terminal again halted loading operations. Approximately 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports are transported via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) infrastructure.

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deliberately ignored