Ukrainian drones attacked Russia’s major Baltic export hub of Ust-Luga overnight on March 30-31, marking the fourth strike on the port in just seven days.
Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko said Russian air defenses shot down 38 drones but confirmed the port sustained damage. He did not provide details on what was hit.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
Previous strikes on March 25, 27, and 29 had already disrupted operations at Ust-Luga, which handles crude oil, naphtha, fuel oil, jet fuel, and gas oil shipments.
Roughly 700,000 barrels pass through its terminals daily. Along with the nearby Primorsk port – also hit multiple times in late March – Ust-Luga accounts for about 40% of Russia’s seaborne oil exports.
The attacks come amid rising global energy prices and ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Analysts say Ukraine is targeting Russian export infrastructure to limit Moscow’s ability to profit from the spike.
Industry sources cited by Reuters said the strikes are complicating Russian export logistics. According to Bloomberg, Russia earned $2.5 billion from oil exports in the week before the drone attacks – the highest level since April 2022.
Revenues had jumped 120% since late February as Urals crude prices exceeded $120 per barrel in India.
Zelensky calls for Easter ceasefire
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that Ukraine is open to a ceasefire over Easter and is calling for an energy truce.
Speaking to reporters, Zelensky said a full ceasefire would be ideal but limited compromises for the Easter period are possible – as long as Ukraine’s “dignity and sovereignty” are protected.
“We are ready for a ceasefire for the Easter holidays… but normal people who respect life talk about a ceasefire and an end to the war for life, not for a few days,” Zelensky said, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
“Of course, we are ready for any compromises, except for compromises with our dignity and sovereignty.”
Zelensky said Kyiv has proposed a full ceasefire, an “energy ceasefire,” and a halt to strikes affecting food and maritime security.
“A complete ceasefire… so that neither missiles nor drones fly. No strikes on infrastructure. If the Russians are ready – please, we are ready,” he said.
His remarks come as US-led peace talks stall, and Washington focuses on its conflict with Iran. Zelensky recently rejected a US proposal he said would trade control of parts of the Donbas region for American security guarantees – a claim disputed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
