Strikes on Russian rear infrastructure
On the night of May 23, Ukrainian defense forces launched a series of strikes against Russian rear-area targets. The attacks hit key infrastructure, including:
- the Sheskharis oil terminal
- the Grushovaya oil depot near Novorossiysk
- the shadow fleet tanker CHRYSALIS in the Black Sea
These operations are part of Ukraine's broader effort to weaken the enemy's military and economic capabilities. The strikes targeted facilities critical to Russia's energy export and military logistics.
At the Sheskharis terminal—part of the Transneft system that handles up to 75 million tons of oil annually—a confirmed hit sparked a fire. The terminal's tank farm has a capacity of roughly 1.28 million cubic meters, making it a vital node in Russia's oil infrastructure. Another target, the Grushovaya oil depot, holds between 1.2 and 1.4 million cubic meters of fuel.
Impact on military operations
In addition, Ukrainian forces struck enemy communication hubs in Krasnorichenske (Luhansk region) and Smile (Zaporizhzhia region). A material and technical supply depot in Frolivske (Zaporizhzhia) was also hit, while an ammunition depot in Prechystivka (Donetsk region) was destroyed.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated: 'Ukraine's defense forces will continue to systematically take measures to weaken the military-economic potential of the Russian occupiers and compel Russia to cease its armed aggression against Ukraine.'
These actions underscore Ukraine's determination to defend its independence and security. By systematically dismantling Russia's war-supporting infrastructure, Kyiv aims to degrade Moscow's ability to sustain combat operations while strengthening its own position on the international stage.
The strikes reflect a growing resolve and readiness for a protracted struggle to restore Ukraine's territorial integrity. Destroying such high-value assets can significantly hinder Russia's military logistics and energy revenue, which are crucial to its war effort.
As Ukraine intensifies its efforts against Russian energy assets, the recent strikes on oil infrastructure highlight a broader strategy. In a similar vein, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have targeted refineries in other regions, aiming to disrupt Russia's fuel supply chain. For more details on these coordinated attacks, you can read about the strikes on two Russian oil refineries that further illustrate Ukraine's tactical approach to undermining enemy resources.