Kathmandu— Ukraine has reportedly promised to refrain from striking certain non-Russian oil tankers and the internationally owned Black Sea pipeline terminal used to transport Kazakh crude to Europe and Asia, according to a US official familiar with the matter. The commitment follows significant pressure from the United States and Kazakhstan regarding attacks on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) infrastructure located in the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

Protection of Global Energy Infrastructure

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which facilitates the loading of oil onto tankers in Novorossiysk, serves as a critical artery for energy markets, accounting for approximately 80% of Kazakhstan’s oil exports. The infrastructure is owned by a diverse group of international shareholders, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell.

Recent Ukrainian drone strikes on the terminal have escalated throughout the year, with attacks last month forcing ships chartered by US companies to halt loading operations. The agreement reportedly stipulates that Ukraine will refrain from targeting CPC infrastructure and vessels that are not on Ukraine’s sanctions list and are not carrying Russian cargo.

Diplomatic and Corporate Pressure

The move follows direct intervention from major energy players and international governments. Both the United States and Kazakhstan have formally protested the attacks on the CPC infrastructure.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth recently approached the White House to request protection for the company’s operations in the region.

Geopolitical Context and Energy Volatility

The agreement comes amid heightened global energy insecurity. The Strait of Hormuz, which manages roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil and LNG trade, remains largely closed due to the US war with Iran, contributing to rising prices.

Further complicating the landscape, Yemen’s Houthi rebels declared a blockade of Saudi Arabia on July 25, adding to concerns regarding energy supply stability near the Red Sea chokepoint.

Shifting US Support for Ukraine

The conflict in the Middle East has impacted diplomatic efforts regarding the war in Ukraine. Recent developments have seen a shift in US policy, as Donald Trump has walked back a previous promise to grant Ukraine a license to produce Patriot air defense missiles.

Additionally, the US has rebuffed Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s request for more interceptors, a decision occurring as US ammunition stockpiles have reportedly been depleted by the war with Iran.

The agreement marks a significant shift in the scope of Ukrainian strikes against maritime and pipeline infrastructure in the Black Sea region.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.