The attack on the Olenegorsky Gornyak, a Russian landing ship, in Novorossiysk Bay puts the Russian oil export infrastructure at risk for the first time.
As the FT points out, naval drones attacked the ship after Russia withdrew from the grain agreement and began its mass shelling of Ukraine’s port infrastructure. However, the publication suggests an attack on Russia’s oil export infrastructure will likely worry the White House and other Western capitals. Washington has long led efforts to avoid rising oil prices.
On the night of August 4, explosions rang out near the port of Novorossiysk. The SBU confirmed the special operation, as a result of which the Olenegorsky Gornyak was damaged. Also, last night near the Crimean Bridge the Sig, a large Russian oil tanker, was attacked by drones.
In addition, Ukraine officially declared the water area of six Russian ports – Anapa, Novorossiysk, Gelendzhik, Tuapse, Sochi, and Taman – as a military threat zone. This may make it more difficult for Russians to insure their vessels.