A Ukrainian drone attack ignited a fire at northwestern Russia’s Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga, a major hub for oil exports, local authorities said early Tuesday.
Leningrad region Governor Alexander Drozdenko said air defense units intercepted 52 drones during a four-hour assault over the region.
“Damage and fire were recorded in the Ust-Luga port area as a result of the drone attack,” he wrote on Telegram, adding later that there were no casualties.
By around 9:30 a.m. Moscow time, Drozdenko said the fire was extinguished.
Ust-Luga, Russia’s largest shipping terminal on the Baltic Sea and second-largest nationwide behind Novorossiysk, was previously attacked by Ukrainian drones and caught fire on Aug. 14.
According to Reuters, Ust-Luga handles 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Last year, more than 32.8 million metric tons of refined products were exported through the port.
Elsewhere, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at least 21 drones were intercepted on approach to the capital overnight Tuesday.
In the southwestern Belgorod region, acting Governor Alexander Shuvayev reported one death and 16 injuries following shelling and drone strikes over the past 24 hours.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted 516 Ukrainian drones across Russia and annexed Crimea between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russian attacks killed at least 12 people in Kyiv and the surrounding region overnight, local officials said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
