Russian strikes on SOCAR facilities in Odesa: implications for the Danube-Black Sea region

Analytical news from the Institute for Danube Studies

Azerbaijani MP Rasim Musabekov stated that Russia’s recent drone and missile attacks on SOCAR energy facilities in Ukraine constitute open aggression against Azerbaijan’s economic interests. Two major drone strikes on SOCAR’s oil depots in Odesa region this month, along with earlier strikes on a gas compressor station, targeted infrastructure crucial for energy transit.

 Musabekov argued that Azerbaijan should respond with actions rather than statements, suggesting lifting the embargo on arms sales to Ukraine, using surplus Soviet-era equipment no longer needed by the Azerbaijani army.

Danube-Black Sea relevance:

The security of Odesa’s energy infrastructure directly affects Danube ports (Reni, Izmail, Galați, Giurgiulești), vital for grain, oil, and gas transit.

Intensified attacks highlight the vulnerability of the Danube transport corridor.

Azerbaijan’s possible arms supplies to Ukraine could reshape regional dynamics in favor of greater resilience against Russian aggression.