Ukraine Hits Russia’s Only Black Sea Refinery-Export Hub in Tuapse

Ukraine’s General Staff said Ukrainian forces carried out a coordinated overnight strike on April 20 targeting key Russian military and energy infrastructure, including an oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region and facilities in occupied Crimea.

The military confirmed that the Tuapse oil refinery – one of Russia’s key Black Sea export hubs – was hit again, with impacts on a storage tank area triggering a fire.

It also confirmed a separate strike on the “Hvardiiska” oil depot in occupied Crimea, saying the attacks reduce Russia’s logistical capacity to sustain its forces.

The Tuapse refinery – integrated with the Black Sea port export terminal – was hit for the second time in less than a week. A previous fire at the site burned for days and required more than 150 firefighters and emergency personnel to extinguish.

Independent outlet Astra reported that a large fire broke out in the storage tank area following the latest strike.

Krasnodar governor Veniamin Kondratyev said the attack caused a fire at the seaport and widespread damage in the city from falling debris. Windows were shattered at a school, kindergarten, church, museum, and an apartment building. A gas pipeline was also damaged.

“One man was killed. Another was injured and is receiving medical assistance,” he said on Telegram.

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Deep Into Russia: Ukraine Damages Navy Ships in Kronstadt Port Near St. Petersburg

The Ukrainian military on Wednesday said they struck ships and infrastructure at the Kronstadt naval base in Russia’s Leningrad region, one of the key Baltic Fleet facilities near St. Petersburg. Zelensky confirmed the attack while Ukrainian officials reported damage to Russian vessels, including a corvette undergoing repairs.

The facility had already been struck less than a week earlier, on April 16, when a fire burned for three days before being extinguished just hours before the latest attack. More than 150 firefighters and nearly 50 pieces of equipment were deployed.

The Tuapse refinery processes up to 12 million tons of crude oil per year and ranks among Russia’s top ten refineries.

In recent months, Ukrainian drones have repeatedly hit major export hubs, including Baltic Sea ports Ust-Luga and Primorsk – which handle a significant share of Russia’s oil exports – as well as the Novorossiysk oil terminal.

In March, Russia is estimated to have lost close to $1 billion within a week after repeated strikes on its Baltic ports. 

Kyiv said it is attacking Russian energy infrastructure as a response to Moscow’s continued missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, as well as an effort to reduce Russia’s revenue from oil exports.

Pressure on Russia’s energy sector

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, said that attacks on Russian oil terminals are strengthening Ukraine’s position in ongoing negotiations. However, some of Ukraine’s allies have urged a pause in strikes on Russian energy infrastructure amid rising global energy prices.

Budanov added that he expects “a lot of new things” in upcoming talks with Moscow, while questioning whether Russia’s stance would shift despite the continued pressure.

The strategy has increasingly focused on limiting Russia’s ability to sustain oil exports, a key source of revenue for its war effort.

Russia has reportedly expanded efforts to protect critical infrastructure, including deploying additional air defense systems and reinforcing security at major industrial sites.