Ukrainian forces strike Russian oil rigs in Caspian Sea and air defenses
Photo: Ukrainian Defense Forces struck drilling rigs in the Caspian Sea and destroyed Russian air defense systems (Getty Images)
Ukrainian Defense Forces launched a series of targeted strikes on facilities that provide the Russian army with fuel, logistics, and air cover. Lukoil's drilling platforms in the Caspian Sea came under fire, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian military struck three drilling rigs belonging to the Russian corporation Lukoil in the Caspian Sea: the Vladimir Filanovsky, Yuri Korchagin, and Valery Graifer.
These facilities are used to supply the Russian occupation army, particularly with energy resources.
"Hits have been recorded, and the extent of the damage is being clarified," the Ukrainian Defense Forces report.
In addition, Ukrainian units struck a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system launcher in the Baranychevo area in the temporarily occupied territory of the Luhansk region.
This medium-range air defense system was responsible for protecting Russian troops from air threats. According to preliminary data, explosions occurred at the complex's position after the strike.
A logistics depot of the Russian 49th Army in the Novotroitsk area of the occupied part of the Kherson region was also hit. The strike was intended to disrupt logistics and reduce Russian combat capabilities.
"Only objects directly involved in the armed aggression against Ukraine are being targeted," the Ukrainian Defense Forces emphasize.
Strikes on Russian oil platforms in Caspian Sea
Drones of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have repeatedly attacked Russian oil platforms in the Caspian Sea. The strikes targeted key equipment, leading to a halt in production at the facilities.
On the morning of Friday, December 12, it became known about the first Ukrainian strike on such a platform in the region—it was an unprecedented case when Ukraine struck Russian infrastructure related to oil production in the Caspian Sea.
That same evening, SBU drones carried out a second attack on Russian facilities in the same area, after which the oil platforms were shut down again.
