Ukraine attacks Russian refineries in St Petersburg

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Drone Strikes Target Russian Oil Facilities on Baltic Sea

Ukrainian forces have launched drone strikes on two major oil facilities on Russia’s Baltic Sea, targeting the country’s largest oil terminals. The attacks, which began in late March, have resulted in significant damage to the Primorsk and Ust-Luga terminals, handling a substantial portion of Moscow’s seaborne oil exports.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), these terminals account for two-fifths of Moscow’s oil exports and nearly 2% of global oil supply. The drone strikes have sparked fires that have lasted for days, causing disruptions to Russia’s oil production and export capabilities.

Eyewitnesses in St Petersburg, including a local resident who wishes to remain anonymous, report smelling the odor of burning crude, fuel, and chemicals from the attacks. The smell has been described as varying from diesel engine exhaust to burning plastic and rotten eggs.

The drone strikes are part of Ukraine’s efforts to target Russia’s oil refineries and terminals, in an attempt to reduce Moscow’s unexpected windfall income from oil exports. This comes after Washington and Tel Aviv began bombarding Iran at the end of February, which has sent oil prices soaring due to the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to satellite images, both ports are currently unable to ship cargo, forcing traders to reroute their shipments to smaller ports on the Baltic or Black Sea. Russian authorities have accused European nations of conspiring with Ukraine to allow the drone strikes, but Ukrainian experts argue that the attacks were planned over Russian territory and bypassed air defense systems.

The impact of the drone strikes is significant, with estimates suggesting a $1 billion loss for Russia so far. The frequency of strikes is reportedly connected to the ongoing conflict in Iran and Russia’s new opportunities to profit from it.

Source: Al Jazeera