Strikes on Oil Depot and Terminal in Crimea
On the night of June 7, units from the Middle-strike branch of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) carried out attacks on the Semikolodezyanska oil depot and a maritime oil terminal in occupied Crimea. According to the SOF, these actions aim to degrade the enemy's economic and logistical capabilities.
The Semikolodezyanska oil depot, located in the settlement of Yedi-Kuy (Lenine), was hit during the operation. It sits roughly 200 kilometers from the front line. This facility houses nine storage tanks with capacities ranging from 700 to 3,000 cubic meters, used for holding and transporting fuel oil, diesel, and bitumen.
Additionally, the maritime oil terminal in Feodosia was also struck in the same operation. This terminal is about 250 kilometers from the combat zone. It contains seven fuel tanks, each with a capacity of 10,000 or 20,000 cubic meters. The complex transfers oil and petroleum products from railway tank cars to ships and serves as a reserve fuel supply for the peninsula during emergencies.
The strikes were carried out using FP-2 drones, as reported by Denis Shtilerman on Twitter. He noted that
“another brilliant performance by the Special Operations Forces”enabled the successful targeting of two facilities in occupied Crimea. The SOF emphasized that
“hitting the enemy’s oil refining infrastructure reduces his economic and logistical capabilities.”
Strategic Approach of the Special Operations Forces
These operations by the Special Operations Forces demonstrate a strategic method for depleting enemy resources, which could significantly impact its military effectiveness. Targeting key infrastructure like oil depots and terminals is a crucial step in the prolonged regional conflict, as such actions can lead to reduced fuel supplies and limited economic options for the adversary. This event underscores the importance and effectiveness of modern military technology in conflict zones.
These recent strikes highlight a broader strategy employed by Ukraine's military to weaken Russian supply lines. In a related operation, the Ukrainian SBU and Defense Forces targeted an oil refinery and an airfield in Crimea, further illustrating the systematic approach to disrupting key resources. For more insights on these coordinated actions, you can read about the recent attacks on an oil refinery and airfield in Crimea here.