ASTRA: One of southern Russia’s largest oil terminals ablaze PHOTO / VIDEO

The Sheskharis oil terminal likely caught fire as a result of an attack on Novorossiysk, according to an open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysis by ASTRA.

Residents of Novorossiysk reported numerous explosions overnight on March 2. Local authorities confirmed that one person was injured.

“The city continues to come under attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. At this time, damage has been recorded in two additional apartment buildings and five private homes. Fires broke out at two addresses and are being extinguished. According to preliminary information, there are no casualties. An additional temporary accommodation center has been opened at School No. 32 for residents of the Eastern district whose homes were affected,” the city’s mayor wrote.

ASTRA analysed eyewitness footage showing fires following the attack. According to the outlet, video published on the Ukrainian channel Exilenova Plus indicates that the blaze may be located in the area of the Sheskharis oil terminal.

Based on ASTRA’s assessment, the footage was filmed from a Rosneft gas station on Myskhakskoye Highway, approximately 6.5–7 kilometres from the site of the fire. Local residents in chat groups also reported that the fire appeared to be in the Sheskharis area.

The Sheskharis oil terminal is a major maritime complex for receiving, storing, and loading crude oil and petroleum products onto tankers. It is considered one of Russia’s largest and most strategically important oil terminals, playing a key role in the operations of the Novorossiysk seaport and the country’s southern export infrastructure.

ASTRA previously reported that the terminal was damaged in a Ukrainian attack in November 2025. At that time, a military unit housing S-400 air defence missile launchers in Novorossiysk was also targeted.

Last year, Ukraine’s General Staff described the Sheskharis terminal as one of the largest oil transshipment complexes in southern Russia and stated that it was involved in supporting Russian armed forces engaged in combat operations in Ukraine.

By Khagan Isayev