Ukrainian drones targeted a Russian oil platform in the Caspian Sea on December 11, marking a significant escalation in Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russian energy production. The Filanovsky rig, which is part of Russia’s largest oil field and is operated by Lukoil, was hit by at least four drone strikes that halted operations at over 20 oil and gas wells. This facility, inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin in 2016, produces approximately 120,000 barrels of oil per day.
While details on the launch site of the drone strikes remain unclear, it is notable that the Caspian Sea is over 700 kilometers from Ukraine’s closest border. Throughout 2023, Ukraine has intensified its campaign against Russian oil facilities to undermine Moscow’s financial capacity to sustain its military engagement in Ukraine. The Ukrainian military has primarily targeted oil refineries, particularly those located in European Russia.
Moreover, Ukraine has expanded its operations to include actions against unregulated tankers transporting Russian oil via the Black Sea. In recent weeks, three vessels have reportedly been struck by Ukrainian sea drones. Russia has characterized these actions as piracy and has issued threats to cut Ukraine’s maritime access in retaliation for these attacks, further escalating the ongoing conflict.
