Ust-Luga Port Targeted in SBU Operation
In the early hours of November 11, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), together with other branches of the Armed Forces, successfully struck critical elements of Russia’s port, oil refining, and transportation infrastructure at the Ust-Luga port in Leningrad Oblast. The operation inflicted damage on terminals including 'Novatek-Ust-Luga' and 'Ust-Luga Oil,' as well as the small missile ship 'Naro-Fominsk,' a Buyan-M class vessel.
Impact on Infrastructure and Aftermath
Unmanned drones from the Special Operations Center 'Alpha' attacked infrastructure at the 'Novatek-Ust-Luga' terminal, hitting several storage tanks each holding 30,000 tons. This caused a significant oil spill at the site. The 'Ust-Luga Oil' terminal also suffered damage to multiple oil product tanks, resulting in a large-scale fire. Fires were further reported at the 'Faktor' terminal and the Luzhskaya railway station.
- Damage was concentrated in tank farms
- Pumping stations were affected
- Pipeline systems sustained hits
- Oil and petroleum transshipment infrastructure was compromised
Firefighting and emergency response efforts are ongoing at the scene. Additionally, the SBU planned and executed the destruction of the small missile ship 'Naro-Fominsk,' which carries Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles. This vessel was launched in 2022. Reports are also being verified regarding the destruction of Russian combat helicopters.
The SBU continues a systematic campaign to disable Russia’s oil infrastructure, cutting off Kremlin revenues that fund the production of missiles, drones, and other weapons used against Ukraine. Russian rear areas cannot feel secure: attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure are met with retaliatory strikes on Russian soil.
Security Service of Ukraine
This operation exemplifies Ukraine’s ongoing proactive approach to weakening Russian aggression by targeting high-value facilities that finance Moscow’s military actions. Hitting port and oil processing assets along with military vessels highlights the strategic importance of focused strikes to diminish enemy capabilities. Such actions are expected to significantly impact Russia’s economic resilience and its ability to sustain military campaigns in Ukraine.
Given Russia’s reliance on oil exports for funding its military, these targeted attacks on critical infrastructure represent a key element in Ukraine’s broader defense strategy.