Kazakhstan Urges Ukraine to Halt Attacks on Caspian Pipeline Consortium

Kazakhstan has formally requested Ukraine to cease its drone attacks on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal located in Novorossiysk, Russia. This terminal is crucial for Kazakhstan's oil exports, accounting for approximately 80% of the country's crude oil shipments. The CPC, which includes shareholders from Russia, Kazakhstan, and the United States, suspended operations following significant damage to one of its moorings due to a Ukrainian naval drone strike on November 29, 2025.

Kyiv IndependentSouth China Morning PostReutersEuronewsNewsweekReutersCityLab

The CPC's terminal is a vital conduit for Kazakhstan's oil, handling over 1% of global oil exports. Following the drone attack, the CPC reported that one of its three moorings was rendered inoperable, leading to a halt in loading operations. Kazakhstan's Minister of Energy condemned the attack, labeling it as an assault on "purely civilian critical infrastructure" and emphasized the potential risks to global energy security. The CPC's operations are critical not only for Kazakhstan but also for the broader energy market, as disruptions can have far-reaching implications.

South China Morning Post

Kazakhstan's foreign ministry expressed its protest against the attacks, stating that the CPC terminal is safeguarded by international law. In contrast, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry responded by asserting that its military actions are solely aimed at countering Russian aggression and are not directed at Kazakhstan or any other third parties. Ukraine emphasized its commitment to maintaining friendly relations with Kazakhstan, despite the ongoing conflict.

Kyiv IndependentNewsweekReutersSouth China Morning PostEuronewsReutersCityLab

Kazakhstan's condemnation reflects its position as a neutral party in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, seeking to protect its economic interests while avoiding direct involvement. The Turkish government also criticized Ukraine's actions, highlighting the risks posed to navigation and safety in the Black Sea. Both nations are concerned that continued attacks could disrupt energy supplies to countries reliant on Russian oil.

NewsweekEuronewsKyiv IndependentSouth China Morning PostReutersReutersCityLab

While Kazakhstan and Turkey have called for an end to the attacks, Ukraine maintains that its operations are necessary for its defense against Russian aggression. This divergence in perspectives underscores the complexities of the geopolitical landscape in the region. Additionally, the CPC has indicated that while operations at one mooring have resumed, the damage to the other mooring could significantly impact oil exports moving forward.

Newsweek

The situation remains fluid as Kazakhstan seeks to balance its economic interests with its diplomatic relations. The CPC plans to replace the damaged moorings in the coming year, which may alleviate some operational challenges. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to target Russian energy assets as part of its broader strategy to weaken Moscow's financial capabilities in the ongoing conflict.

Kyiv Independent

• “expresses its protest over yet another deliberate attack on the critical infrastructure of the international Caspian Pipeline Consortium in the waters of the Port of Novorossiysk,” — Kazakhstan Foreign Ministry

South China Morning Post

• “No actions by Ukraine are directed against Kazakhstan or other third parties — all of Ukraine's efforts are focused on repelling full-scale Russian aggression,” — Heorhii Tykhyi, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

Kyiv Independent

• “The CPC pipeline system is an international energy project, and any forceful impact on its facilities creates direct risks for global energy security and causes substantial harm to the economic interests of the consortium’s participants, including the Republic of Kazakhstan,” — Kazakhstan Minister of Energy

Euronews