Russia Resumes Oil Exports from Ust-Luga, Primorsk Remains Closed After Drone Attacks
Russia has resumed limited oil exports from the Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga following a Ukrainian drone strike on March 23, 2026. However, the nearby port of Primorsk remains closed, disrupting a significant portion of Russia’s oil export capacity.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Russian Oil Infrastructure
On March 23, 2026, Ukraine launched a drone attack targeting oil facilities in Russia, specifically focusing on the ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga. Governor Alexander Drozdenko of the Leningrad region reported that drones struck Primorsk overnight, igniting a fire at a fuel storage tank. Simultaneously, Ust-Luga was also targeted, though the extent of any damage was initially unclear. Reuters reported on these events.
Impact on Oil Exports
Primorsk and Ust-Luga are critical hubs for Russian oil exports. In 2025, Ust-Luga exported approximately 32.9 million tons of petroleum products, while Primorsk exported around 16.8 million tons. NV.ua details these export volumes. Ust-Luga typically ships around 700,000 barrels of oil per day, and Primorsk handles over 1 million barrels daily. Primorsk is a key loading point for Urals crude and high-quality diesel.
Current Status and Operations
As of March 25, 2026, loading of crude oil has resumed at Ust-Luga. NV.ua confirms this resumption. However, Primorsk remains closed as firefighting efforts continue following the drone strike. Governor Drozdenko stated that more than 50 pieces of equipment were deployed to combat the fire. The Maritime Executive provides further details on the response to the attack.
Broader Context of Attacks
Ukraine has regularly targeted Russian oil exporting facilities as part of its ongoing defense strategy. The recent attacks come after Ukraine urged Europe to maintain pressure on Russia, particularly following the Trump administration’s waiver of some Russian oil sanctions. The Maritime Executive highlights this geopolitical context. Russian officials claim to have intercepted a significant number of Ukrainian drones during the attacks, reporting over 249 fixed-wing drones intercepted nationwide.
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