Ukraine’s drones hit key Russian oil hub, exports halted

During the night, Ukraine’s Security Service drones hit the biggest Russian oil port on the Baltic Sea, which serves as the terminal point of the Baltic Pipeline System.

“Primorsk is a key hub for loading the ‘shadow fleet’ Russia uses to bypass international sanctions and sell oil abroad. Around 60 million tons of oil pass through the port annually, generating about $15 billion for Russia,” the source said.

As a result of the successful strike by SBU drones, fires broke out on a vessel in the port and at a pumping station, halting oil shipments.

Russia’s estimated daily budget losses from the suspension of exports could reach up to $41 million.

In addition, Ukraine’s Security Service units hit several Russian oil pumping stations:

• Oil pumping station-3;
• Oil pumping station Andreapol;
• Oil pumping station-7;

These facilities are key components of the main pipeline system supplying crude oil to the Ust-Luga port terminal.

“The SBU was the first to systematically introduce so-called drone sanctions against Russia’s oil sector. They cut off the flow of oil dollars into the aggressor’s budget. Since the Russian economy depends on oil, every such strike undermines its ability to wage war against Ukraine. These sanctions will continue until a just peace is achieved in Ukraine,’ the informed SBU source added.

Explosions in Russia

On the night of September 12, unknown drones struck the Primorsk oil port in the Leningrad region (Russia), igniting one of the vessels.

Earlier reports also indicated that Russia was once again attacked by unidentified drones.

Explosions were reported in the Kursk and Bryansk regions, as well as near Moscow. In the Smolensk region, the Kardymovo oil depot was likely targeted.