In the early hours of March 29, Ukrainian long-range drones targeted the oil terminal at the port of Ust-Luga, located in Russia’s Leningrad region, marking the second such strike within a week. This information was confirmed by a source within the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
The attack resulted in significant damage and a fire at the terminal, which serves as a vital maritime port for Russia on the Baltic Sea, facilitating oil exports, including through what is referred to as a shadow fleet.
“All oil facilities are essentially part of the Russian military-industrial complex and contribute funds to the Russian budget that are used for the war against Ukraine. Therefore, operations aimed at countering this will continue. Russia will pay a high price for its aggression,” stated acting SBU head Major General Yevhenii Khmara.
The SBU emphasized that it has struck Russian oil infrastructure in the Baltic Sea four times in the past week. These operations have been coordinated with various Ukrainian defense agencies, including military intelligence (HUR), special operations forces (SSO), and border guards (DPSU).
Previously, SBU drones and defense forces targeted a significant export oil hub in the Baltic, located at the port of Primorsk, resulting in fires and damage to several oil tanks.
On March 29, several Russian Telegram channels reported the attack on the Ust-Luga port, where a large fire ensued. Leningrad region Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed the strike and stated that emergency services were on-site to address the fire. He also mentioned that Russian air defense reportedly intercepted 31 drones over the region during the night.
Ukrainian drones have again targeted the Ust-Luga oil terminal in Russia, causing significant damage and fires. This incident is part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to disrupt Russian oil exports amid ongoing conflict.