Ukrainian Armed Forces Confirm Strike on Oil Terminal in Leningrad Region of Russia

On April 7, 2023, the Ukrainian Defense Forces executed a significant strike on the 'Ust-Luga Oil' terminal, situated in the Leningrad region of the Russian Federation. This information was officially confirmed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which reported that the attack inflicted substantial damage on the facility.

According to the General Staff's statement, preliminary assessments indicate that three tanks belonging to the enterprise 'Transneft-Baltika' were hit. This terminal is a crucial component of Russia's oil product export infrastructure, and the revenue generated from its operations is utilized to sustain the ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, the attack on this facility holds strategic importance in reducing the resources available for waging war.

While the extent of the damages is still being assessed, it is already clear that the strike caused serious harm. Additionally, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine provided information regarding the results of a previous attack that took place on April 5. During that operation, the 'Transneft-Port Primorsk' was struck, resulting in damage to three RVSP-20000 tanks, which led to a fire involving oil products.

The RVSP-20000 tanks have a capacity of 20,000 cubic meters and are a standard design used for the long-term storage of oil, oil products, and other flammable liquids. Damage to such tanks can lead to severe environmental consequences and significant financial losses for the 'Transneft' company.

Furthermore, during the April 5 attack, elements of the primary crude oil processing installations were also damaged, specifically the AVT-6 and AVT-1 units, along with the 19/6 unit, which is involved in the production of oil bitumen. These installations are critical for oil processing, and their damage could significantly impact the production capabilities of the enterprise.

Thus, the attacks on oil facilities in Russia indicate an increasing activity of Ukrainian forces in the context of countering Russian aggression. They also underscore the importance of dismantling the logistical chains that supply resources for the war. Given the current situation, it is anticipated that Ukrainian forces will continue this strategy in the future.