Ukraine responds to Kazakhstan over Caspian pipeline attack

Ukraine has acknowledged neighboring Kazakhstan's diplomatic concerns regarding an attack that damaged infrastructure belonging to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) at the Russian port of Novorossiysk. In a statement on Sunday, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi asserted that Kyiv's military actions are not directed against Kazakhstan or any other third country. He framed Ukraine's operations strictly within the context of self-defense against Russian aggression, invoking Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Kazakhstan's Protest and the Attack Details

The Ukrainian statement came in direct response to a formal protest issued earlier by Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry, which described the weekend incident as "another deliberate attack" on the CPC terminal. Kazakhstan expressed its expectation that Ukraine would take preventive measures against similar future occurrences. The consortium reported that unmanned sea vessels damaged a single-point mooring at its Novorossiysk terminal on Saturday, leading to a suspension of loading operations ordered by Russian authorities. Russia subsequently accused Ukraine of carrying out the attack, with its foreign ministry spokeswoman calling for international condemnation.

Ukraine's Strategic Justification and Diplomatic Appeal

Spokesman Tykhyi defended the operation as part of a strategy to systematically weaken Russia's military-industrial capacity and deprive it of war-sustaining resources. He shifted responsibility for regional instability squarely onto Moscow, noting an "absence of previous statements by the Kazakh side condemning" Russian strikes within Ukraine. Tykhyi further called on all parties to concentrate efforts on compelling Russia to end the war, which has lasted over three and a half years, as soon as possible.

Emphasis on Bilateral Relations and Regional Context

Despite the diplomatic friction, Kyiv emphasized its commitment to preserving long-standing bilateral ties. "We confirm our unwavering respect for the Kazakh people and our determination to develop friendly and pragmatic relations with the Republic of Kazakhstan," Tykhyi added. The incident highlights the complex challenges for nations like Kazakhstan and Türkiye, which maintain economic and diplomatic relations with both sides of the conflict and have a vested interest in the security of critical Black Sea energy and trade corridors.