Ukraine Says Drones Hit Russian Oil Rig, Patrol Ship
Ukraine has said its forces carried out drone strikes on a Russian oil rig and a military patrol ship in the Caspian Sea, expanding its campaign against Russian energy and maritime assets. Ukrainian military officials stated that the strikes took place late on Friday as part of operations aimed at weakening Russia’s logistical and economic capabilities.
Details of the Reported Strike
According to Ukraine, unmanned aerial vehicles targeted an offshore oil platform used for energy production and a nearby patrol vessel assigned to protect maritime infrastructure. The oil rig was reported to have sustained damage, while the condition of the patrol ship was still being assessed. Ukrainian authorities said the objective was to disrupt facilities that support Russia’s war effort.
Strategic Significance
The Caspian Sea lies far from the main front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, making the reported strike notable for its distance and reach. If confirmed, it would mark one of the deepest Ukrainian operations against Russian infrastructure, underscoring Kyiv’s growing use of long-range drones to target energy assets linked to state revenue.
Russian Response
Russia has not publicly confirmed damage to the oil rig or patrol ship. There has been no official statement from Moscow addressing the claim, and independent verification of the incident has not been possible so far.
Broader Context
Ukraine has increasingly focused on striking Russian oil, gas, and shipping infrastructure, arguing that energy revenues play a key role in sustaining Moscow’s military operations. The reported Caspian Sea strike reflects this broader strategy as the conflict continues to evolve.
