Ukraine confirmed a major strike that dealt a serious blow to Russian oil exports overnight. Drones targeted the Primorsk oil terminal, a key facility that handles around 1 million barrels of oil per day, forcing operations to halt after massive fuel tanks caught fire.

The assault triggered an immediate emergency response. Workers were evacuated for safety, and critical loading equipment was damaged, forcing the port to shut down while fires burned and sections were assessed for structural damage.

Ukrainian officials said that dozens of drones were involved in the attack. Russian air defenses intercepted many, but not all, and the pressure on the terminal’s infrastructure was significant enough to force temporary closures and emergency protocols.

The strike also had wider effects on regional transport. Flights in nearby St. Petersburg were briefly paused as authorities evaluated potential airborne threats, adding another layer of disruption to Russia’s logistics and mobility.

This is the second reported attack on Primorsk, and analysts warn that even short disruptions to a port of this size can ripple through global oil markets. Reduced exports could tighten supply, push prices higher, and intensify economic pressure on Russia’s war economy.

Officials on both sides are watching closely as the situation develops. For Ukraine, targeting major export infrastructure is part of a broader strategy to limit funding for military operations. For Russia, restoring stability at Primorsk — and ensuring continued oil flow — will be a priority in the days ahead.