Ukrainian drones strike Ust-Luga port in Russia's Leningrad region, fire breaks out
Ukrainian drones attacked the Ust-Luga port in Russia's Leningrad region overnight into September 1, sparking a fire. The regional governor confirmed the damage, with no reports of casualties so far.
Ukraine's Defense Forces struck several strategic sites in Russia's Leningrad region overnight into September 1, including the Ust-Luga port, according to information posted on social media.
A drone threat warning for the region's airspace was issued around 2:03 a.m. Temporary flight restrictions were introduced at St. Petersburg's Pulkovo airport, and local residents were warned of possible mobile internet slowdowns.
Governor confirms the attack
Leningrad region governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed that drones had targeted strategic facilities in the region, including the Ust-Luga port. He said Russian air defenses shot down 44 Ukrainian drones over the region. The strike caused a fire and damage at the port, with the full extent still being assessed. Emergency services are working at the scene, and no casualties have been reported so far.
A key export hub
Ust-Luga is one of Russia's major transport hubs, used to export oil products, coal, fertilizers and container cargo abroad via the Baltic Sea. The port handles roughly 700,000 barrels of crude oil and oil products per day. Ukraine considers it a legitimate military target, since Russia uses revenue from energy exports to help fund its war. Ukrainian forces have targeted the facility before.
