Ukraine hits back at Kazakhstan's concerns over Novorossiysk strikes
Illustrative photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine has taken note of Kazakhstan's concerns about the Defense Forces' strikes on Novorossiysk. However, it also points out that Kazakhstan has never condemned Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Ukraine has taken note of the Republic of Kazakhstan's concerns regarding the Caspian Pipeline Consortium infrastructure. We emphasize that no actions by the Ukrainian side are directed against the Republic of Kazakhstan or any other third parties," the statement said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Ukraine's efforts fully align with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which guarantees the right to self-defense against an aggressor. Ukraine's Defense Forces are systematically targeting the military-industrial capabilities of Russian forces, depriving them of resources needed to continue the war against Ukraine.
"We once again emphasize that the only destabilizing factor and the root cause of security challenges in the Black Sea region and beyond remains Russian aggression," the statement added.
Kazakhstan's silence
Amid Kazakhstan's expressions of concern, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that Kazakhstan has not condemned Russia's attacks on civilian populations, residential buildings, energy infrastructure, and critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
"Just the day before yesterday, Russia launched a nine-hour combined missile and drone attack against Ukraine, killing and injuring civilians. At least 500,000 residents of Kyiv and more than 100,000 residents of the Kyiv region were left without electricity," the statement said.
In light of this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Kazakhstan to focus its efforts on pressuring Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Ukraine also reaffirmed its unwavering respect for the Kazakh people.
Strikes on Novorossiysk and Kazakhstan's concern
On November 30, Kazakhstan called on Ukraine to stop attacks on the Black Sea oil terminal in Novorossiysk, after a series of drone strikes halted exports and severely damaged loading infrastructure.
On November 29, it was reported that naval drones attacked and completely disabled the berth of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) sea terminal in Novorossiysk. The berth sustained heavy damage, and oil unloading operations were halted.
After the attack on the terminal, Kazakhstan urgently began looking for alternative routes for its oil exports. At present, Kazakh oil continues to be exported through Novorossiysk.
