Ukrainian Security Service Strikes Russian Oil Station and Kuban Terminal

Attack on Oil Pumping Station and Gas Terminal

According to Главком: On May 29, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched an operation targeting the Yaroslavl-3 oil pumping station and the gas terminal at the port of Temryuk. The mission was carried out by operatives from the SBU's Alpha Special Operations Center. The strike ignited three crude oil storage tanks at the Yaroslavl-3 facility, with the resulting fire covering an area exceeding 5,000 square meters. Simultaneous hits on the Temryuk port gas terminal sparked a blaze at the Makhten-Nafta industrial site, where a gas pipeline on the pier and several buildings caught fire.

Statements from the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia

In his address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed intelligence indicating that Russia is preparing a fresh large-scale assault.

“We have intelligence information about Russia preparing a new massive strike. It is crucial that all our partners understand what is happening-that Russia continues to rely on missiles and prolonged war, not diplomatic steps. Above all, this means additional sanctions pressure on Russia is needed, and our agreements with partners on air defense cannot be delayed in implementation,” the president stated.

On the same day, Vladimir Putin responded to the incident of a drone crashing in Romania, remarking:

“It may sound strange, but I only just learned about the drone that fell in Romania.”

He added that “the first reaction to drones in other countries is always panic, and later it turns out they are Ukrainian.”

On the economic front, President Zelenskyy signed a law ratifying an agreement to secure macro-financial assistance from the European Union totaling 90 billion euros. The overall support package through 2026 amounts to 45 billion euros, broken down as follows:

• Defense-related support: up to 28.3 billion euros;
• Budgetary support: 16.7 billion euros.

The budgetary portion is divided between macro-financial assistance and the Ukraine Facility, each receiving 8.35 billion euros. The aid will be disbursed in three grants: a first tranche of 3.2 billion euros, a second of 3.7 billion euros, and a third of 1.45 billion euros.

Separately, the Vinnytsia City Court sentenced singer Taisia Povaliy to 12 years in prison with asset confiscation. Povaliy was found guilty of collaborationist activities and supporting Russian aggression. She was also barred from holding certain positions for 15 years.

Other notable developments: Zelenskyy reshuffled the composition of the Staff, the government took the first step toward reforming the State Labor Service, and a scheme for the illegal departure of men abroad was uncovered in the Bukovyna region. Zelenskyy also held a conversation with the President of Romania following a Russian drone attack.

The attack on the oil pumping station and gas terminal underscores the escalating military confrontation between Ukraine and Russia, even as President Zelenskyy stresses the need for international support and tougher sanctions against Russia. These events unfold against the backdrop of new economic agreements with the EU, highlighting Ukraine's continued efforts to counter aggression and secure financial aid to sustain its economy and defense. The verdict against Taisia Povaliy also reflects a growing focus on collaboration issues during wartime.

The recent operations by the Ukrainian Security Service come amid rising tensions, with indications that Moscow may be gearing up for a significant offensive against Ukraine. As both leaders address the escalating conflict, the need for enhanced defense measures and international support becomes increasingly critical.