Chaos in Russia as Ukraine Blows Up Ust-Luga Oil Terminal in Major Drone Attack
Ukraine launched its largest drone attack this year on Russian oil terminals, sparking fires and disruptions amid intensified strikes on energy infrastructure amid global market instability.
Ukraine Launches Largest Night Drone Attack on Russia This Year, Causing Fire at Ust-Luga Oil Terminal
Ukraine launched its largest night drone attack on Russia this year between Tuesday and Wednesday, causing a fire at the Ust-Luga oil terminal.
Alexander Drozdenko, governor of Leningrad Region, reported that firefighters are battling the flames at the port, which handles daily oil exports of approximately 700,000 barrels. He did not disclose details on the extent of the damage but clarified that there were no casualties.
According to sources cited by Reuters, the terminal – which also exports coal, grain, and fertilizers – was sealed off, while several oil tanks were engulfed in flames.
Shocking Video
Drone Interceptions and Damage in Vyborg
The same official emphasized that 56 drones were intercepted in the airspace of Leningrad Region. At the same time, a residential building in Vyborg, about 100 kilometers north of Ust-Luga, sustained damage.
Unconfirmed images circulating on social media show an old building in the city – a well-known tourist destination – completely engulfed in flames.
Continuation from Previous Attacks on Ports
Near Vyborg is the port of Primorsk, one of Russia’s largest oil export hubs. On Monday, it was attacked and forced to temporarily halt its operations.
Industry sources had then reported that Ust-Luga was also closed, although this was never officially confirmed.
Damage in Kronstadt and Neighboring Countries
In Kronstadt, the island city administratively part of Saint Petersburg and home to the Baltic Fleet, several houses and vehicles suffered damage, local authorities said.
At the same time, a power plant in Estonia was hit by a drone that flew in from Russian airspace. Another drone fell in Latvia, with authorities in Riga estimating it was likely a Ukrainian drone that went off course.
Summary of Russian Defense
Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced it shot down a total of 389 Ukrainian drones in multiple regions, including the annexed Crimea.
Bryansk Region bore the heaviest volume of incoming drones, just days after a Ukrainian missile attack on a microchip factory killed seven people.
In the neighboring Belgorod Region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that about 450,000 residents were left without electricity due to severe damage to the power grid. One more person lost their life in the attacks.
Intensification of Strikes on Energy Infrastructure
Ukraine and Russia continue mutual raids using drones and missiles. Kyiv presents its strikes as a response to the invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Recently, Ukraine has intensified hits on Russian energy facilities, targeting oil installations to disrupt war financing.
These developments coincide with a notably volatile period in global oil markets, as the US-Israel war against Iran pushes prices higher and fuels fears of potential supply disruptions.
