Primorsk, Russia – A significant Ukrainian drone offensive has targeted the Primorsk port in northwestern Russia, resulting in substantial damage to fuel reservoirs at the facility. According to regional authorities, the strike occurred between Sunday night and early Monday morning, leading to the suspension of operations at what is recognised as Russia’s largest oil export hub. Governor Alexander Drozdenko of the Leningrad region confirmed that the attack ignited a fire within the port’s infrastructure, necessitating the evacuation of personnel while emergency services worked to contain the blaze.

The Primorsk port is a critical component of Russia’s energy export capabilities, possessing the capacity to transport over 1mn barrels of oil per day. Regional officials reported that air defence systems successfully intercepted more than seventy drones during the aerial campaign; however, some reached their intended targets. In addition to Primorsk, the nearby port of Ust-Luga, situated approximately 80km to the south, also suspended its operations as a precautionary measure.

This strategic strike forms part of a broader campaign by Kyiv to disrupt Russia’s military logistics and economic foundations. By targeting energy infrastructure, Ukraine aims to impede the Kremlin’s ability to fund its ongoing invasion. The disruption at these major ports comes at a particularly sensitive time for global energy markets, compounded by recent geopolitical tensions affecting maritime routes. According to The Moscow Times, the Primorsk facility is of paramount importance as the largest oil port in Russia, serving as a primary gateway for the nation’s crude oil and petroleum products to international markets.