On the morning of March 25, drone strikes targeted a crucial Baltic port in Russia, which plays a significant role in the export of crude oil and petroleum products. The governor of the Leningrad region, Alexander Drozdenko, confirmed the attack, stating that 56 drones were neutralized over the area during an air alert.
According to Drozdenko, efforts to contain a fire at the Ust-Luga port are ongoing. Additionally, a residential building in Vyborg sustained roof damage, but preliminary reports indicate that there were no casualties.
This incident marks the second drone attack on Russian oil exports through Baltic ports within a week. On March 23, the port of Primorsk was also struck by Ukrainian drones, resulting in damage to several oil product storage tanks. As of now, Russian authorities have not provided updates on whether the resulting fires have been extinguished.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, various sites within the country have been subjected to aerial assaults. In 2024 and 2025, oil refineries have frequently been targeted, alongside Russian military installations in occupied territories of Ukraine.
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces has confirmed many of these attacks, asserting that Ukrainian defense forces are actively working to diminish the combat capabilities of Russian occupying troops and compel Russia to halt its military aggression against Ukraine.
On March 17, Sergey Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council and former Minister of Defense, remarked that no Russian region is safe from potential drone attacks due to advancements in Ukrainian drone technology.
Recent drone strikes on a key Russian port underscore the ongoing conflict's impact on oil exports. With multiple attacks reported, both sides are actively engaged in military operations affecting infrastructure.