Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Infrastructure in Baltic Sea and Beyond

Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted key Russian oil infrastructure, including a major port on the Baltic Sea and an oil refinery deep within Russia, escalating a campaign aimed at disrupting Moscow’s energy exports and war effort. The attacks, confirmed by both Ukrainian and Russian officials, represent a significant extension of Ukraine’s reach and a growing threat to Russia’s energy sector.

Baltic Sea Port of Primorsk Hit

The port of Primorsk, located in the Leningrad Oblast, was struck by Ukrainian drones on March 23, 2026, damaging a fuel tank and sparking a fire. Alexander Drozdenko, the governor of Leningrad Oblast, reported the incident via Telegram, stating that personnel were evacuated. Kyiv Post reports that Primorsk is a major transshipment point for Russian oil and Euro-5 low-sulfur diesel fuel, with a loading capacity of approximately 1 million barrels of oil and 300,000 barrels of diesel per day. The port has an annual capacity of up to 75 million tons and is operated by Transneft.

This wasn’t the first attack on Primorsk; it was previously targeted on September 12, 2025, resulting in disruptions to oil loading operations. Kyiv Post

The strikes on Primorsk are particularly significant as the port is a key export hub for Urals crude oil, including shipments via a “shadow fleet” designed to circumvent international sanctions.

Bashkortostan Oil Refinery Also Targeted

In a simultaneous attack, Ukrainian forces also targeted the Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim refinery in Ufa, Bashkortostan, approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) from the Ukrainian border. The Kyiv Independent reports that this refinery has an annual processing capacity of 6-8 million tons. A fire broke out at the facility following the strike.

Broader Implications and Russian Response

These attacks come as Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine and as Western sanctions aim to curtail Moscow’s revenue streams. Disrupting Russia’s oil exports is a key objective for Ukraine and its allies, as oil revenue provides a significant source of funding for the Russian war effort. The Kyiv Independent

Following the attacks, Russia suspended crude oil and oil product loadings at its Baltic ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga, according to Reuters. Flight disruptions were also reported at St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo airport due to the drone activity. The Express reports that over 100 flights were delayed or canceled.

Ukraine Confirms Involvement

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed its involvement in the attacks on both Primorsk and the Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim refinery. The Kyiv Independent

Key Takeaways

• Ukrainian drone strikes have successfully targeted key Russian oil infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and beyond.
• The port of Primorsk, a major oil export hub, sustained damage, disrupting oil shipments.
• The Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim refinery in Bashkortostan was also hit, further impacting Russia’s oil processing capacity.
• These attacks represent a significant escalation in Ukraine’s campaign to disrupt Russia’s energy sector and war effort.