Ukraine Launches Significant Drone Attack on Major Russian Oil Terminal

Sat Sep 13 2025 11:47:08 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a large-scale overnight drone operation, Ukraine strikes the Primorsk oil terminal in the Baltic Sea, marking one of its most extensive attacks in recent months and targeting Russia's crucial energy infrastructure.

Ukraine has successfully executed a major drone attack on Russia's largest oil terminal at Primorsk, targeting essential energy infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities. While over half of the 221 drones were intercepted, the assault raises tensions, coinciding with recent conflicts involving civilian casualties and the disruption of Russian refineries. This strategic strike aims to curtail Russia's fuel supplies that are vital for its war efforts.

In a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has launched a major drone attack on Russia's largest oil terminal located in the Primorsk port on the Baltic Sea. This operation marks one of the most extensive drone strikes executed by Ukraine in several months.

The drone assault targeted the Primorsk oil terminal, a key hub for Russia’s oil exports and integral to the Baltic Pipeline System. According to Ukrainian security services, out of the total 221 drones deployed, more than half were intercepted over Russian territories, specifically the Bryansk and Smolensk regions, where various Lukoil facilities were also impacted.

Tragically, reports indicate that the conflict is taking a toll on civilians, with two individuals killed in Ukraine’s Sumy region due to a Russian glide bomb hitting a nearby village.

In response to the attack, Russian authorities claimed to have downed 28 drones and reported a fire outbreak at a vessel and pumping station in Primorsk, which was quickly extinguished without causing any casualties. The Primorsk port has been essential for the operations of Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet' of aging tankers which evade international sanctions.

The drone raids have been part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to target Russian energy supplies and logistics, aiming to disrupt fuel for military operations. The impact of recent Ukrainian strikes has led to significant issues in Russia's energy supply chain, reflected in reported shortages and rising prices, especially for petrol in far eastern Russia.

As the conflict intensifies, Moscow has responded to prior drone attacks with increased missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, amid faltering peace negotiation efforts. The timing of these attacks coincides with the start of a notable military exercise between Russia and Belarus.