Live: Ukrainian drones strike Russian Black Sea port, Rubio visits eastern Europe
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 15, 2026
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Ukrainian military drones struck a strategic oil terminal near Russia's Taman port, sparking a fire at this critical Black Sea hub. The attack comes amid growing tensions and as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a two-day visit to Slovakia and Hungary, countries with close ties to former President Donald Trump but who have resisted cutting off Russian energy supplies. This move underscores the ongoing complexities of the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.
The strike on Russia's Tamanneftegaz oil terminal in the Krasnodar region was confirmed by Ukraine's military, targeting a key infrastructure point near the village of Volna. The incident highlights Ukraine's increasing use of drone technology to target Russian supply lines and strategic assets. Meanwhile, European leaders are preparing new energy and military aid packages for Ukraine ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of timely deliveries of these resources during a recent meeting in Munich.
In her speech at the Munich Security Conference, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell's deputy, Viera Kallas, dismissed claims that Russia remains a superpower. She pointed to the high human cost of its prolonged conflicts and minimal territorial gains, particularly in Ukraine, where Russia has struggled despite deploying extensive military resources over the past week. Kallas' remarks reflect broader European efforts to counter Russian narratives and maintain unity on sanctions and support for Ukraine.
Latvia's intelligence chief also warned that Russia's war economy may persist even after the conflict with Ukraine concludes. Egils Zviedris noted that ongoing sanctions and potential frozen conflicts could keep Russia in a state of military readiness, raising concerns about future aggression against neighboring states. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to address internal challenges, including arresting former energy minister German Galushchenko as he attempted to leave the country amid a corruption scandal tied to its energy sector.
The latest developments underscore the fragile balance of power in Eastern Europe and the ongoing risks posed by Russia's military strategy. As global leaders gather at the Munich Security Conference, discussions focus on Ukraine's potential EU membership, with Kallas acknowledging that concrete timelines remain elusive. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/15/2026