Quick Read
- A major fire is burning at Russia’s key oil export hub in Primorsk following a Ukrainian drone attack.
- The strike damaged fuel storage tanks and oil loading infrastructure, leading to a halt in exports.
- This incident is part of a broader Ukrainian campaign targeting Russia’s energy sector to impact its war funding.
PRIMORSK (Azat TV) – Ukrainian drones struck the major oil export hub of Primorsk on the Baltic Sea, causing a significant fire at a fuel storage facility. The attack, which occurred late Sunday, has led to the suspension of oil and fuel exports from the terminal and continues to be fought on its second day, according to reports from March 24, 2026.
Major Fire Erupts at Primorsk Oil Terminal
Leningrad Oblast Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed that a fuel tank was damaged, resulting in a fire. Firefighting efforts are underway, and personnel have been evacuated from the site. Satellite data has indicated multiple fires at the oil storage depot area, with thick smoke visible even through cloudy conditions. The blaze at the oil depot in Primorsk port is reportedly still unextinguisable as of its second day, according to Radio Liberty. This facility is described as the largest oil port in the Russian Federation on the Baltic Sea and a key export hub, operated by the Russian oil and products pipeline monopoly Transneft.
Scope of Damage and Infrastructure Impact
The port of Primorsk is a critical transshipment point for Russian oil and Euro-5 low-sulfur diesel fuel, with a substantial loading capacity. Ukrainian officials stated that both the tank farm and oil loading infrastructure were affected. The facilities include 12 large storage tanks for crude oil transported from West Siberia and northern Russia, and six berths capable of handling large tankers. The attack also impacted facilities for higher value products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, suggesting a broader impact on Russia’s export revenues and potentially military logistics. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces confirmed the strike on the Transneft-Port Primorsk oil terminal, noting preliminary information indicated damage to both storage tanks and loading infrastructure. The port, along with Ust-Luga, reportedly suspended shipments of oil and petroleum products following the drone attack.
Broader Ukrainian Drone Campaign Targets Energy Infrastructure
The strike on Primorsk is part of a wider Ukrainian drone campaign targeting Russia’s energy and military facilities. On the same night, Ukraine also claimed to have struck the Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim oil refinery in Ufa, located approximately 1,400 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. This refinery is considered a key fuel supply facility for the Russian military. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting a significant number of drones, stating that 249 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones were downed across multiple regions overnight. Temporary flight restrictions were also imposed at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg due to the drone activity.
The targeting of major oil export hubs like Primorsk directly impacts Russia’s foreign exchange earnings, which are crucial for funding its ongoing military operations. The persistent focus on energy infrastructure highlights Ukraine’s strategy to degrade Russia’s economic capacity while simultaneously disrupting its logistical capabilities.