Ukrainian intelligence claims responsibility for strike on Russia’s largest commercial port

• 6 January, 18:07

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for the drone attack on Russia’s largest commercial sea port of Ust-Luga in Leningrad region. On Monday, a source within the Ukrainian Security Service, SBU, told local media that Ukrainian long-range missiles flew 900 km and hit the target near St.Petersburg city.

"The attack on the largest commercial port in Russia, Ust-Luga in Leningrad region, is the work of the SBU... On January 4, long-range drones of the Security Service covered more than 900 kilometers, flew almost to St. Petersburg and successfully hit a target," the source familiar with the matter said.

"As a result of the strike, one tank was severely damaged, and three adjacent ones were cut by debris from the explosion. Experts say that the repairs will take at least a month if materials are available and will definitely lead to interruptions in the terminal's operation," the source added.

Ust-Luga, located in the Leningrad region, is Russia's largest commercial port and an essential logistics center along the Baltic Sea. According to an SBU source, Moscow utilizes this port to sell oil and gas through its so-called "shadow fleet."

The "shadow fleet" consists of ships that Russia employs to bypass international sanctions on its energy exports, which were imposed in response to its invasion of Ukraine, helping to maintain a steady cash flow for funding its war efforts.