Ukraine hits key Russian oil-loading port and 2 ‘shadow fleet’ tankers
Ukrainian forces targeted Russia's largest Baltic Sea oil export terminal and multiple tankers as part of a coordinated effort to disrupt the Kremlin's energy export capabilities
Ukraine launched a wave of strikes against Russia’s oil export infrastructure on Sunday, hitting a key loading port on the Baltic Sea and tankers that officials allege were used to transport Russian crude. A nighttime drone strike sparked a blaze at the port of Primorsk, which serves as Russia’s largest oil exporting hub on the Baltic Sea. According to Russian regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko, the facility was targeted in a long-range operation that successfully reached the strategic site.[1][2]
The port of Primorsk is situated more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Ukraine, highlighting the significant distance Ukrainian drones are now traveling to reach strategic targets deep within Russian territory. The strike is part of a broader strategy to impact the economic resources Russia uses to fund its ongoing military operations by disrupting its primary energy export routes.[1][2]
In addition to the Baltic Sea strike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces successfully hit tankers in the Black Sea. Ukraine alleges these vessels were part of a shadow fleet used to bypass international restrictions on Russian oil exports. While initial reports from some sources mentioned two tankers were hit, others indicated that three vessels may have been targeted in the maritime operation.[1][2]
