Ukraine has denied involvement in attacks on tankers carrying Kazakh oil via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near the port of Novorossiysk. Ukraine's Ambassador to Kazakhstan Viktor Maiko issued a statement, the full text of which was published by The Times of Central Asia. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The diplomat noted that Kyiv understands Kazakhstan's concern over the incidents that occurred on July 17, 19, and 20, but urged not to jump to conclusions.
"To date, there is no evidence that the attacks in question were carried out by the Ukrainian side. Therefore, I ask you to refrain from hasty and unfounded accusations, direct or indirect, against Ukraine," Maiko said.
According to him, Ukrainian authorities had previously warned international partners about the possibility of Russian provocations. He claims that Russian electronic warfare systems are capable of intercepting control of Ukrainian drones or using them to discredit Kyiv.
"It is necessary to thoroughly investigate the possibility of Russia using such drones to carry out provocations and attempts to discredit Ukraine," the diplomat emphasized.
The ambassador also stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine do not strike civilian targets, including on Russian territory.
"The Armed Forces of Ukraine do not strike civilian targets. Legitimate military targets are exclusively military objects and infrastructure supporting the Russian military machine," the statement said.
Separately, Maiko stressed that Kazakhstan is not considered a military target by Ukraine.
"Kazakhstan, its citizens, infrastructure, and economic interests have never been and are not currently considered by Ukraine as military targets. Any attacks on the infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium or other economic and energy facilities of the Republic of Kazakhstan are not in Ukraine's interests," he noted.
In conclusion, the diplomat stated that Ukraine considers Kazakhstan a friendly state and counts on further development of bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust, and constructive dialogue.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that the marine terminal of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), through which about 80% of all oil from Kazakhstan is exported, will be forced to limit the receipt of pipeline oil supplies.