Deputy Nikita Shatalov insists on seeking compensation for damages resulting from the attack by Ukrainian drones on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) facility, reports Kapital.kz business information center correspondent.
“The General Staff of the Ukrainian army openly acknowledged that they were responsible for the attack on the ‘Kropotkinskaya’ pumping station, which transports Kazakh oil through the CPC. Now it is our Foreign Ministry's task to demand compensation for the damages and to engage in diplomatic efforts with our Ukrainian colleagues,” said Nikita Shatalov in the corridors of the Mazhilis.
“However, isn’t it the Russian side that bears responsibility for the safety of the oil transport facility located on its territory?” journalists asked the deputy.
“This oil pipeline has quite a complex legal situation because its shareholders come from several countries, including Italy, the USA, Kazakhstan, and Russia. So, I genuinely see no reason for this attack. Of course, various viewpoints are being floated, suggesting that the Ukrainian army might not have been aware of the presence of Kazakh shareholders within the CPC. This is complete nonsense! If Ukrainian intelligence is functioning, they know everything perfectly well. Therefore, it seems to me that considering we are not a party to the conflict, and we have maintained a neutral stance all this time, to attack our infrastructure, which is especially strategic for Kazakhstan and vital for our budget, appears at least strange,” said Nikita Shatalov.
The Mazhilis member calls on Kazakh authorities to maintain a balance between Western partners and Russia.
“We support stable relations with both Western countries and the Russian Federation. Another very important point is that we insist on adhering to the UN Charter. This is the foundation on which the world order is built, and we also insist on it because it ensures geopolitical, global, and economic stability, and so on,” he concluded.
One of the CPC's oil pumping stations, ‘Kropotkinskaya,’ was attacked on February 17 by several drones loaded with explosives and metal shrapnel.
In 2024, over 63 million tons of oil were transported through the ‘Kropotkinskaya’ pumping station, about 90% of which came from Kazakhstan.
The consortium's shareholder, Transneft, reported that the reduction in oil transportation volumes from Kazakhstan through the CPC due to the repair of the pumping station is estimated at around 30%, with recovery taking up to two months. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has opened a criminal case regarding the attack on the CPC civil facility. The Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan stated that there are no restrictions on Kazakh oil from the CPC, and acceptance is carried out according to schedule. It was also reported that Kazakh diplomats will discuss the attack on the CPC with their Ukrainian counterparts in light of the fact that this route is important for Kazakhstan's economy.