Ukraine hits Russia’s vital oil terminal in largest retaliatory strike

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TÜRKİYE — Nov. 14, 2025

Ukraine launched its largest retaliatory operation yet against Russian territory, striking the strategic Novorossiysk port and halting oil shipments, a move that disrupted nearly 2% of global oil supply and drove prices sharply higher, according to Reuters and CNN.

The overnight attack targeted the Sheskharis oil terminal—one of Russia’s most critical export hubs on the Black Sea—and inflicted substantial damage, forcing the temporary suspension of crude loading operations.

Oil exports halted, prices jump more than 2%

Industry sources told Reuters that oil loading at the terminal has been paused and Russia’s state pipeline operator Transneft has stopped oil flow to the port. Analysts describe the strike as the most significant Ukrainian operation against Russian energy infrastructure in recent months.

The attack triggered supply concerns in global markets, pushing international oil prices up by more than 2%.

Ukraine claims strike with Neptune missiles and drones

Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed that domestically produced long-range Neptune cruise missiles and various types of kamikaze drones were used in the operation, saying the objective was to weaken Russia’s military and economic capacity.

Kyiv also reported additional strikes overnight against a fuel storage facility near Engels and an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region.

S-400 system and ammunition depot reportedly destroyed

CNN reported that Ukrainian forces also targeted a Russian S-400 air defense system positioned in the Novorossiysk area, along with its ammunition depot, causing large explosions and fires. Reuters noted it could not independently verify these claims.

Severe damage to port infrastructure

Multiple industry sources cited by Reuters said two major oil piers, known as berths 1 and 1A, sustained serious structural damage. Reports also indicated that a Sierra Leone-flagged tanker, Arlan, was struck.

CNN described a “large-scale fire” in the terminal facilities that burned into early morning hours.

Local authorities confirm casualties and emergency measures

Krasnodar regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev said four people were injured and residential buildings near the port were damaged. A state of emergency was declared, and the fire was later brought under control.

Russia claims 216 Ukrainian drones intercepted

Russia’s Ministry of Defense said its forces shot down 216 Ukrainian drones overnight across several regions, though no evidence was provided.

Escalating exchange of strikes

The Novorossiysk strike marks the latest escalation in Ukraine’s long-range attacks since August, during which Kyiv has targeted Russian Black Sea and Baltic ports, oil pipelines, and multiple refineries.

Meanwhile, Russia’s most recent attacks on Kyiv killed six civilians and injured dozens, and two more people were killed in the Odessa region.

www.wisenewspress.com