Kathmandu— The United States has conveyed its disapproval to Ukraine regarding recent drone attacks on oil tankers in the Black Sea, after Ukrainian forces targeted vessels servicing a Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal in Russia. The CPC route is crucial for transporting Kazakh crude to Europe and Asia, and includes significant American financial interests, prompting Vice President J.D. Vance to press Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to cease the strikes during a July 31 phone call, according to sources familiar with the matter. These attacks have strained Washington’s patience and raised concerns about potential disruptions to already volatile oil markets.

US Concerns Over Economic Impact

Ukrainian drone raids targeting the CPC – which transports Kazakh crude across southern Russia to a marine terminal near Novorossiysk – prompted intervention from US officials, who feared damage to American economic interests. The pipeline incorporates investments from companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil, making it a key component of global energy supply chains. According to sources cited in reports, Vance emphasized that the attacks were not only harming US companies but also contributing to instability in oil markets already impacted by ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Ukraine’s Response and Conditions

Following the communication from Washington, Ukraine reportedly scaled back its strikes on tankers near the CPC terminal. A senior Ukrainian official stated that Kyiv was “very carefully listen[ing] to our American partners” and had implemented new protocols in response to US concerns. Reports suggest Ukraine initially attempted to leverage the attacks as a bargaining chip with the United States, seeking a license to manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles.

US License Dispute

President Donald Trump had previously indicated willingness to grant Ukraine a license for Patriot missile production in early July, but later reversed course. This decision was reportedly linked to a shortage of air defense missiles caused by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, leaving Ukraine facing critical needs without guaranteed support.

International Reactions

Russia has condemned the attacks as “terrorist acts” and accused Ukraine of targeting civilian infrastructure. Kazakhstan also voiced its concerns, describing the strikes on vessels carrying CPC crude as an “unacceptable infringement” on its economic interests and a threat to global trade. Despite these protests, Ukraine publicly maintained that it was not responsible for the attacks and urged affected countries to avoid making premature accusations.

Ukraine has reportedly adjusted its targeting criteria to exclude tankers not subject to Ukrainian sanctions or carrying Russian cargo, signaling a willingness to address US concerns while continuing to pursue its strategic objectives.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.