Ukraine Targets Russia’s Black Sea Infrastructure, Tuapse Oil Terminal Reportedly Ablaze

Ukraine has intensified its long-range strikes on Russian territory, with reports of Storm Shadow cruise missiles and drones being used in attacks that triggered fires at the Black Sea port and oil terminal in Tuapse, as the war enters a new phase of reciprocal escalation.

Russian regional authorities reported that Ukrainian strikes hit infrastructure in the Krasnodar region, including the Tuapse port and oil terminal complex , a key export and logistics hub on the Black Sea. Fires were reported at the site following the attack, with emergency services deployed to contain the blaze. The facility has been repeatedly targeted in recent months amid Ukraine’s broader campaign against Russia’s energy and supply chain infrastructure.

Ukraine is said to have used a combination of long-range drones and Storm Shadow missiles , marking another expansion of its deep-strike capability inside Russian territory. Kyiv has not consistently confirmed individual cross-border operations but has repeatedly argued such strikes are aimed at weakening Russia’s military logistics and war-fighting capacity.

The escalation comes alongside continued Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities said Russia launched over 100 drones and two ballistic missiles in a fresh overnight barrage, targeting multiple regions including Kyiv, where air defences were activated to intercept incoming threats.

Moscow has stepped up warnings of further escalation, including possible “systemic strikes” on Kyiv, and has urged foreign nationals and diplomatic staff to leave the capital. Western governments have rejected the warnings, saying their missions will remain in place.

Diplomatic tensions have also risen after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reportedly urged the United States to withdraw its embassy personnel from Kyiv, though Washington has not signalled any change in its position.

Ukraine says the overall threat level remains unchanged, while the United Nations has expressed concern over the growing intensity of strikes on civilian infrastructure.

Russia, meanwhile, continues to justify its attacks as retaliation and has suggested future targeting of fortified military command bunkers in Ukraine.

In response to growing drone pressure, Moscow has passed new measures allowing financial institutions, including the central bank, to fund and operate drone defence systems , reflecting strain on Russia’s air defence network as both sides expand long-range strike operations across borders.