Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga for the fifth time in ten days. Industry sources told Reuters an oil loading terminal was hit, likely adding to Russia’s difficulties in exporting crude.
Kyiv has stepped up attacks on Russia’s oil export infrastructure over the past month, launching its heaviest drone strikes at the Baltic ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk. At least 40% of Russia’s oil export capacity has been halted due to drone attacks, a disputed strike on a major pipeline, and the seizure of tankers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said some allies had sent signals about scaling back long-range strikes on Russia’s oil sector as global energy prices surged due to the Iran war. Regional governor Alexander Drozdenko said three people, including two children, were treated for injuries and several buildings damaged in the overnight attacks.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the strikes “terrorist attacks,” adding that Russia was working on protecting its critical infrastructure. Three industry sources told Reuters Ukrainian drones struck crude oil loading facilities operated by Russian pipeline monopoly Transneft in the latest attack. Ust-Luga, a sprawling complex of oil-processing facilities and export terminals, typically handles about 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.