WSJ: US warned Ukraine over Black Sea oil infrastructure strikes

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned Ukraine against targeting vessels and oil infrastructure belonging to third countries in the Black Sea, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing a source familiar with the matter.

According to the report, Washington considers the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) a vital route for transporting Kazakh oil to European markets, offering an alternative to Russian energy supplies.

“The administration [of the United States] views the CPC (Caspian Pipeline Consortium) as a critical channel for supplying energy resources from Kazakhstan to European markets, serving as an alternative to Russian supplies,” the source said, as quoted by the newspaper.

The report added that Chevron Chief Executive Mike Wirth raised concerns with White House officials over potential collateral damage linked to Ukrainian strikes. Chevron holds a 15% stake in the CPC and has a direct interest in safeguarding the infrastructure.

In July, a series of drone attacks targeted tankers near the CPC’s marine terminal. Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry has indicated it may seek compensation for any damage incurred. The country exports approximately 80% of its oil output through the pipeline system.

By Tamilla Hasanova