US Intervenes in Ukraine Tanker Attacks Amid Oil Price Fears
The US has reportedly intervened in Ukraine's attacks on tankers using the Novorossiysk port, citing concerns over destabilizing oil markets and hurting American companies.
According to sources, Washington warned Ukraine that attacking non-Russian vessels in the Black Sea would have negative consequences for global oil prices. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium route is crucial for Kazakhstan's oil exports, with Chevron and Exxon Mobil being among the largest Western oil companies operating in the country.
The US administration had previously warned Ukraine against targeting non-Russian vessels, as reported by The Wall Street Journal on July 25. The Trump administration wants to ensure that Chevron's oil continues flowing due to recent supply constraints from the Middle East, which have pushed global oil prices above $100 a barrel.