Ukrainian Drones Strike Russia’s Key Oil Port Primorsk Overnight

BREAKING: Ukrainian drones have launched a bold attack on Primorsk, Russia’s vital oil-loading terminal on the Baltic coast, marking one of the most significant strikes since the conflict began. The assault occurred overnight, resulting in a fire on a vessel docked at the port. Fortunately, the flames have been extinguished, and Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko confirmed there is “no risk of the vessel sinking or an oil-product spill.”

This attack is part of Ukraine’s intensified campaign targeting Russian energy facilities in recent weeks, aiming to disrupt fuel supplies to the front lines and diminish Moscow’s export revenues. The Primorsk port is crucial, handling approximately 330,000 barrels of diesel-type fuel and 1.15 million barrels of crude oil daily, according to data from Bloomberg.

Ukrainian forces have ramped up their drone missions, successfully targeting oil refineries in southern Russia and the Volga region, as well as a pumping station on the westbound Druzhba crude pipeline. Until now, strikes on Russia’s oil-export terminals, especially along the Baltic coast, have been infrequent. Notably, in August, the Ust-Luga gas processing facility operated by Novatek PJSC was damaged in a drone strike.

In response to the escalating drone warfare, the Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting and downing 221 Ukrainian drones, including nine over the Moscow region. The situation is developing rapidly, and the impact of these attacks on both sides remains to be seen.

Earlier this week, Poland sought consultations with NATO allies, following incidents of drones crossing into its airspace during Russia’s latest extensive airstrike on Ukraine, which it labeled an “act of aggression.”

As tensions rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The implications of this attack could reverberate far beyond the battlefield, affecting global oil markets and geopolitical dynamics.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.