According to a US official, Ukraine has agreed not to target certain non-Russian oil tankers and Black Sea infrastructure critical for Kazakh crude exports, following a series of ship attacks last month that disrupted loading operations.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the private arrangement, stated that Ukraine has established a contact point to allow commercial cargo shippers to exchange information and ensure safe passage. This commitment follows meetings between senior US government officials and Ukrainian leadership, marking a potential significant step toward increasing oil transport volumes in the region.

Rising crude and fuel costs have triggered global economic ripple effects and pushed up US gasoline prices—a factor expected to shape voter concerns in the November midterm elections. Under the US-brokered agreement, Ukraine has pledged not to target infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium or non-Russian vessels heading to that terminal, provided those ships are not under Ukrainian sanctions and are not carrying Russian cargo.