Ukraine has agreed to refrain from attacking non-Russian tankers in the Black Sea — media reports
9 August 08:14
Ukraine has agreed not to strike certain non-Russian oil tankers and Black Sea infrastructure facilities that are critical to Kazakhstan’s oil exports. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing Bloomberg.
According to a U.S. government official, Ukraine has established contact points so that commercial carriers can exchange information and ensure the safe passage of ships.
This agreement, reached following a meeting between senior U.S. government officials and Ukrainian leadership, is a potentially significant step toward increasing oil shipments in the region after a series of recent attacks on ships near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal in Novorossiysk (Russia) led to a slowdown in activity.
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The CPC terminal is crucial for delivering Kazakhstani oil to the market, as this Central Asian country lacks significant capacity to export oil via alternative routes.
Typically, about 2% of global crude oil shipments pass through the CPC, and European refineries rely heavily on supplies from this region.
Ukraine has intensified its campaign against Russian oil ports as part of the war that began with Moscow’s invasion in 2022, including attacks on vessels near the CPC terminal, which have led to loading disruptions and the suspension of some operations, as shipowners began to avoid the area.
This comes at a time when the world cannot afford further disruptions to global oil flows, as the war in Iran and reduced shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are already causing an oil shortage in the market.
Rising oil and fuel prices have rippled through the global economy and driven up prices at gas stations in the U.S. ahead of the November midterm elections, the outcome of which is expected to hinge on voters’ economic concerns.
Under an agreement brokered by the U.S., Ukraine has committed to refraining from attacks on the infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium and on non-Russian vessels heading to the terminal, provided that these vessels are not subject to Ukrainian sanctions and are not carrying Russian cargo.
Kyiv is also providing instructions to shippers explaining exactly which vessels may be targeted. Under the terms of the agreement, vessels must not be subject to Ukrainian sanctions, must not carry Russian oil or other cargo, and must not be owned by Russian individuals or legal entities.
According to a source interviewed by the publication, Ukraine remains in close contact with U.S. companies and the Trump administration on all issues related to the safety and security of commercial shipping.
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