Ukraine spares some Black Sea tankers under US-brokered oil deal
Why it matters: The CPC route handles about 2% of global crude, and Europe relies heavily on Kazakhstan-bound shipments from Novorossiysk.
Ukraine agreed to avoid striking some non-Russian oil tankers and key Black Sea infrastructure tied to Kazakhstan’s crude exports, after July attacks near the CPC terminal in Novorossiysk disrupted loadings and chilled shipping. The understanding was secured after talks between senior US and Ukrainian officials. Under the arrangement, vessels bound for the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal must not be under Ukrainian sanctions, carrying Russian cargo or owned by Russian individuals or entities. Kyiv has also set up points of contact so commercial shippers can share information for safer passage. The move could help restore flows through a route that normally carries about 2% of global crude supply.