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​Ukrainian Forces Hit Oil Terminal in Novorossiysk, Damage Be-12 Aircraft in Crimea

russian Be-12 aircraft / open source
russian Be-12 aircraft / open source

Overnight strikes targeted critical fuel infrastructure and a rare amphibious anti-submarine aircraft, expanding pressure on russia's military and economic assets

Ukrainian forces carried out a series of precision strikes overnight on April 6, targeting key elements of russia's military and economic infrastructure. The operation was part of a broader effort to degrade the aggressor's ability to sustain prolonged warfare, particularly by hitting assets tied to logistics and maritime operations.

One of the primary targets was the Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk, a critical hub for oil exports on the Black Sea. According to preliminary reports, Ukrainian strikes successfully hit oil-loading infrastructure at the facility, triggering a large-scale fire visible across the port area. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Read more: First Recorded Destruction of russia's New Sprint-030 Terminal by Ukrainian UAVs (Video)

The Sheskharis terminal plays a significant role in russia's energy export chain, handling large volumes of crude oil and petroleum products. Disruptions at this site could have both economic and logistical consequences, potentially affecting fuel supplies that support military operations, including naval activity in the Black Sea.

In parallel, Ukrainian forces also targeted russian Beriev Be-12 anti-submarine warfare aircraft in the area of Kacha in temporarily occupied Crimea. The aircraft, designed for maritime patrol and submarine detection, represents a niche but valuable component of russia's naval aviation capabilities.

While the degree of damage to the aircraft remains unclear, even partial degradation could limit russia's ability to conduct surveillance and anti-submarine missions in the region. This is particularly relevant given ongoing contestation in the Black Sea, where control of maritime space remains strategically important.

As Defense Express previously reported, Ukrainian drone operator has reportedly set a new world record in long-range remote interception, successfully destroying two russian attack drones from a distance of 500 kilometers. The engagement, carried out by a fighter from the Bulava unit, highlights the rapidly evolving capabilities of Ukraine's unmanned warfare systems.

russian Shahed drone Defense Express Ukrainian Forces Hit Oil Terminal in Novorossiysk, Damage Be-12 Aircraft in Crimea
russian Shahed drone / screenshot from video
Read more: ​Ukrainian Operator Shoots Down 2 Shahed Drones from 500 km in World-First Strike (Video)