Kazakhstan Seeks Talks with Ukraine after Drone Attack on Russian-Bound Pipeline

Key Points:

* Drone attack on Russian territory disrupts flow through Kazakhstan's crucial crude export pipeline.
* Kazakhstan aims to engage with Ukraine to discuss the incident.
* The pipeline transports oil from Kazakhstan's major fields, including Tengiz, led by Chevron.
* Tengiz production and CPC exports remain unaffected.
* Ukraine has targeted Russian oil infrastructure, with this strike being the first to impact CPC.
* The attack raises concerns about potential risks to CPC during ongoing negotiations.

Kazakhstan is seeking diplomatic discussions with Ukraine after a drone attack on Russian territory affected operations on a key pipeline for its crude oil exports.

The incident halted an oil pumping station on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) link, which transports approximately 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports. Repairs are estimated to take about two months, potentially reducing flows by around 30%.

The pipeline transports oil from Kazakhstan's largest fields, including the Tengiz project operated by Chevron. Tengiz production and exports through CPC remain uninterrupted, according to a Chevron spokesperson.

Kazakhstan's Foreign Affairs Ministry has expressed its concern and stated that it will engage with Ukrainian counterparts via diplomatic channels.

The CPC carries crude through a pipeline from Kazakhstan to a Black Sea terminal near the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

Ukraine has been attacking Russian oil infrastructure to disrupt fuel supplies to invading forces and reduce Moscow's petroleum revenue.

The strike on CPC marks the first time Ukrainian drones have targeted this infrastructure.

Analysts believe that the attack increases the risk of further disruptions to CPC during negotiations over the war.

The incident comes after a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, in which they discussed ending the war.

Russia has expressed its concerns regarding the lack of antimissile systems protecting the CPC facilities on its territory.

Repairing the damaged facility and restoring operations is expected to take some time.

Despite efforts to diversify its oil export routes, Kazakhstan remains heavily reliant on CPC. Last year, 63 million tons of oil were transported through the pipeline.