Ukraine Says It Hit Novatek Gas Facility in Russia’s Leningrad Region

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has confirmed the strike on the “Novatek-Ust-Luga” plant in Russia’s Leningrad region.

It was informed by the General Staff of Ukraine, according to Ukrinform.

On the night of March 24, during a joint operation, the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the “Novatek-Ust-Luga” plant.

Preliminary information indicates that the tank farm and loading/unloading racks (equipment for pouring and draining oil and petroleum products) were hit. A fire was recorded on the plant’s territory.

This facility is an important part of Russia’s energy infrastructure and is used for the export and transportation of petroleum products, the proceeds of which are directed to supporting armed aggression against Ukraine.

The extent of the damage is being clarified.

Communication nodes of Russian units were also struck in temporarily occupied Donetsk, in Velyka Novosilka, and in Hirnyk, in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region.

In addition, an enemy communication node was hit in the Fedorivka area of Zaporizhzhia region.

Striking such facilities significantly complicates the Russian forces’ command and control, as well as the coordination of their combat operations.

As added by the Security Service of Ukraine, drones from the “Alpha” Special Operations Center struck the Ust-Luga oil terminal in Leningrad region.

The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the Drone Forces, Special Operations Forces, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, and the State Border Guard Service, carried out a successful special operation targeting the infrastructure of the Ust-Luga port oil terminal.

This is one of Russia’s key seaports on the Baltic, through which the enemy exports crude oil and petroleum products, including using ships of the so-called shadow fleet.

“Today’s special operation is a symbolic ‘gift’ to the enemy on the Security Service of Ukraine’s Day. It is another reminder that there are no safe regions left in Russia. We will continue to carry out long-range operations to systematically reduce the enemy’s military and economic potential,” said Acting Head of the SBU, Major General Yevhen Khmara.

Long-range drones from the SBU “Alpha” Special Operations Center flew over 900 kilometers and successfully struck their targets. As a result of the attack, oil loading racks and the tank farm containing oil and petroleum products were hit. A large fire is ongoing at the port, confirmed by the governor of Leningrad region.

Striking facilities like Ust-Luga has not only a tactical but also a strategic effect, as it reduces foreign currency inflows to Russia’s budget.

This is already the second SBU attack this week on Russian oil exports in the Baltic. On March 23, the agency’s drones successfully struck the port of Prymorsk, where the fire is still ongoing.

Unmanned Systems Forces also noted that the strike was effective despite Russian air defense countermeasures.

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