Ukraine’s Ambassador to U.S. Received Warning Over Novorossiysk Attack

Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, confirmed she received an official warning from the U.S. Government regarding Ukrainian attacks on the Russian port of Novorossiysk. The U.S. Stated the attacks “allegedly affected some American investments carried out through Kazakhstan.”

Stefanishyna disclosed this information during a briefing on February 24, stating, “We heard from the State Department that we should refrain from attacking American interests.”

Details of the Demarche

According to Stefanishyna, the U.S. State Department issued a “demarche” – a formal diplomatic protest – on the matter. However, she emphasized that the U.S. Did not request a complete halt to Ukrainian attacks on Russian military and energy infrastructure.

The concern stemmed from the impact on American economic interests in Novorossiysk. Stefanishyna explained that the State Department communicated that the U.S. Does not currently have the same level of economic involvement in Ukraine as it does in Kazakhstan.

“I was very, very upset that in the 35 years of Ukraine’s independence, with so many opportunities, we never reached a situation where we could do the same,” Stefanishyna said, highlighting her desire for reciprocal economic leverage.

Call for Increased Sanctions

Stefanishyna urged U.S. Lawmakers to pass legislation strengthening sanctions against Moscow, arguing that delays in doing so are perceived as a win for Russia.

“If we can impose more sanctions and put more pressure on Russia, it will not be able to leave the negotiations,” she concluded.

Background on the Novorossiysk Attack

On the night of November 14, 2025, Ukrainian UAVs targeted port and oil infrastructure in Novorossiysk, damaging an oil depot, a container terminal, coastal structures, and one ship. The Kyiv Independent reported on this event.

Novorossiysk is a key transit point for both Russian and Kazakh oil, handling over 2 million barrels of oil per day, representing approximately 5% of global maritime supplies. Following the attack on November 14, oil prices rose by around 2% due to supply concerns.

In May 2025, Ukraine ratified a “subsoil agreement” with the United States and established a Ukrainian-American investment recovery fund, as signed into law by President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 12.