Ukraine pounds Russia’s Baltic ports

Ust-Luga port suffered further drone strikes yesterday for the fifth consecutive day, with no loadings recorded at the under fire port since last Wednesday. (25 Mar)

Beginning on March 23 with a drone attack on the Baltic port of Primorsk, Ukraine’s Baltic attacks continued two days later with strikes at Ust-Luga before targeting one of Russia’s largest refineries in the Kirishi district on March 26. A Reuters analysis on March 25 estimated 40% of Russia’s export capacity had been halted, describing it as “the most severe oil supply disruption in the modern history of Russia.” 

A laden Russian-linked suezmax was also targeted in the Black Sea off Istanbul last week.      Satellite imagery over the past 24 hours shows extensive damage at the two Baltic ports, which, combined, account for 45% of Russia’s crude exports.