Russia's Ust-Luga Port Resumes Crude Oil Loading After Ukrainian Drone Attacks

Russia's Ust-Luga port in the Baltic Sea resumed crude oil loading on Saturday after several days of interruptions caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on energy facilities in the region. The Aframax-class vessel Jewel began cargo operations, according to shipping data reviewed by Bloomberg News. Ust-Luga serves as a primary outlet for Russian oil exports in the western part of the country.

Loadings at the terminal ceased at the end of March as Ukraine intensified its strikes on Baltic coast energy infrastructure. Transneft, Russia's state-owned oil pipeline operator, did not respond to requests for comment outside normal business hours.

Ukraine conducted additional drone attacks on Russian Baltic oil facilities, with damage reported at the port of Primorsk earlier on Sunday. Satellite images indicate that the Ust-Luga crude terminal appears undamaged. These actions target Russia's energy export capabilities during a period of elevated global energy prices driven by the war in the Middle East.

The resumption of operations at Ust-Luga follows a pattern of disruptions in the region. Ukrainian forces have focused on oil infrastructure to reduce Russia's revenue from energy exports.

Global energy markets have experienced volatility due to geopolitical tensions, including Iran's restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz. Stable crude flows from Ust-Luga could alleviate some pressure on these markets if operations continue without further interruptions. The port's role in Russia's export strategy underscores its importance amid ongoing sanctions and military actions.

No official statements from Russian authorities confirm the extent of the disruptions or the timeline for full recovery. Ukraine has not commented on the specific attacks mentioned in the reports.