Suspected drone attack on Russian terminal: Russia halts activities at a fuel export terminal following a suspected drone attack believed to be initiated by Ukraine.
Suspected drone attack on Russian terminal: On January 21, Russian energy company Novatek (NVTK.MM) announced that it had to temporarily halt certain operations at a large Baltic Sea fuel export terminal. The cause was reported as a fire initiated by what Ukrainian media claimed to be a drone attack.
Summary: 1. A significant fire occurs at the Baltic export terminal.
2. Novatek, an energy company, temporarily suspends some of its operations in response.
3. Ukrainian media suggests that a drone attack from Ukraine is responsible for the incident.
4. Nearby critical infrastructure is placed on high alert as a precaution.
The expansive Ust-Luga complex, situated on the Gulf of Finland about 170 km (110 miles) west of St. Petersburg, functions as a hub for transporting oil and gas products to global markets. The facility processes stable gas condensate, a type of light oil, converting it into light and heavy naphtha, kerosene, and diesel for shipment via sea routes.
The duration of the disruption, the number of tankers affected, and the potential impact on global energy markets were uncertain at the moment.
Critical infrastructure facilities in the nearby Leningrad region have been placed on high alert. Security units and law enforcement agencies have received orders via Telegram to eliminate any detected drones.
According to unidentified sources reported by Interfax-Ukraine news agency, the fire at the Ust-Luga Oil terminal resulted from a special operation conducted by Ukraine's security services.
One source mentioned, "The Ust-Luga Oil terminal is a crucial facility for the adversary. It refines fuel, which is supplied to Russian troops among other things." The successful attack on such a terminal not only inflicts economic damage but also poses a significant challenge to the logistics of fuel for the Russian military.
MorningSunTime could not verify whether the fire was caused by a Ukrainian drone attack.
If confirmed, an attack of this nature would showcase Kyiv's capability to launch strikes deeper into Russia, using domestically produced drones. This comes at a time when Ukraine is grappling with defensive challenges on the battlefield and facing limitations in securing the desired amount of Western financing.
The incident, part of a series of apparent strikes targeting Russian energy facilities in recent days, could also raise questions about the effectiveness of Russian air defense systems around critical infrastructure.
In conjunction with Russia's claims of a Ukrainian artillery strike on civilians in a Russian-held city in eastern Ukraine, resulting in at least 25 casualties, the situation might escalate, potentially leading to broader Russian retaliation in a protracted conflict with no apparent resolution.
Governor Alexander Drozdenko reassured through the Telegram messaging app that there were no casualties at the Ust-Luga terminal, and all workers had been safely evacuated.
Russian news agencies reported damage to two storage tanks and a pumping station, but the fire was reportedly brought under control.
Novatek, Russia's largest liquefied natural gas producer, announced a suspension of some operations, attributing the fire to "external influence." The company established an operational headquarters to address the consequences, with damage assessment planned for later.
Local residents reported hearing a drone operating nearby, followed by several explosions, according to Russian news outlet Shot.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to targeted strikes on each other's energy infrastructure, disrupting supply lines and logistics in attempts to undermine morale. A recent drone attack on a Russian oil depot in Bryansk was attributed to Kyiv, and a failed attack on a Baltic Sea oil terminal followed.
Baza, known for its security services contacts, posted footage on Telegram showing large flames over what appeared to be an industrial complex. Three international tanker ships near the Ust-Luga terminal reportedly escaped damage from the fire.
Governor Drozdenko declared a "high alert regime," calling for an emergency meeting to address the situation.
According to the latest available data, Novatek processed 3.4 million tons of stable gas condensate at the complex in the first half of 2023, a slight increase from the same period a year earlier.
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