Russia striking Azerbaijan's SOCAR oil facilities in Ukraine on purpose, Kyiv says

Russian drones deliberately struck a SOCAR oil depot in Ukraine's southern Odesa region for the second time in two weeks on Monday (18 August), according to Ukrainian officials.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, stating it was not only an assault on Ukraine but also a blow to energy security and bilateral relations with Azerbaijan.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for a strong diplomatic and legal response from Baku, emphasising the attack’s impact on Azerbaijan's interests.

There was no immediate comment from SOCAR, which operates around 60 fuel stations in Ukraine, or Azerbaijani authorities, and Russia has yet to address the attack publicly.

Ukraine’s energy minister noted that the damage was difficult to assess, with rescue crews still on site. This attack follows a similar Russian drone strike on 8 August that also targeted a SOCAR facility, injuring at least four people. Russian forces have consistently targeted critical Ukrainian infrastructure, including energy facilities, far from the front lines.

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