Novatek plant near St. Petersburg on fire: Ukrainian intel reveals details of successful strike
Photo: Drones struck the Novatek plant in Russia's Leningrad region (video screenshot)
Ukraine's Defense Forces and intelligence special forces successfully struck the Novatek-Ust-Luga oil and gas complex in Russia's Leningrad region on September 1, according to a statement by the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.
On September 1, 2026, operators from the Active Operations Department and the Unmanned Systems Department of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, as part of a joint deep-strike operation with Ukraine's Defense Forces, struck the Novatek-Ust-Luga complex in Russia's Leningrad region, the statement said.
The strike hit key components of the oil processing facility as well as critical technological equipment.
A large fire broke out at the plant following the strike. Ukrainian intelligence emphasized that the facility directly fuels Russia's war against Ukraine.
Why the Ust-Luga port is important for Russia
Ust-Luga is one of Russia's largest commercial ports on the Baltic Sea, located in the Gulf of Finland. Significant volumes of strategic commodities, including oil, petroleum products, coal and mineral fertilizers, are transported through the port.
The port area is home to major industrial and transshipment facilities, including sites operated by Novatek and EuroChem. Given the port's important role in Russia's economy and defense industry, it has repeatedly been targeted by drone attacks.
Earlier today, a fire and damage were reported at the Ust-Luga port in the Leningrad region following a drone strike. The regional governor did not specify which facility in the port area was damaged.
According to local authorities, a total of 37 drones were allegedly shot down over the Leningrad region overnight.
