Ukrainian drones damage Russia’s Ust-Luga port, governor says

Early on September 1, Ukrainian drones struck the Russian Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga, damaging the facility, according to regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko. Ust-Luga, one of Russia's largest and most crucial ports on the Baltic Sea, serves as a major hub for crude oil and petroleum exports. Situated west of St. Petersburg, the port contributes significantly to the state budget.

Russian air defense reported downing numerous drones over the area between August 31 and September 1, intercepting 17 drones during the ongoing attack. By 6 a.m. local time, Drozdenko confirmed that 38 drones had been destroyed over Leningrad Oblast, with damage reported at the port. Footage on Telegram showed a fire at the port, though the extent of the damage remained unclear.

While the Kyiv Independent could not independently verify Russian claims, recent months have seen Ukraine repeatedly target the Ust-Luga port in its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. In March and April, Ukraine conducted deep strikes against the port, damaging two processing plants and igniting a fire. This latest attack adds to a series of successful Ukrainian operations against Russian oil targets, intensifying pressure on the Kremlin by exacerbating a domestic fuel supply crisis that has led to export bans, price hikes, and sales restrictions across Russia.