Drone Strike Hits Russian Terminal Handling Kazakh Oil Exports, Energy Ministry Says Exports Unaffected

On Sunday, August 24, Ukrainian drones targeted several strategic facilities in Russia, including the terminal at Ust-Luga, through which Kazakh oil is exported, Orda.kz reports.

According to Reuters, the attack caused a fire at a major Baltic fuel terminal operated by Novatek. The Russian Ministry of Defense said at least 95 Ukrainian drones were shot down across multiple regions that afternoon.

At least ten Ukrainian drones were shot down in the port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region of Russia. Fallen debris caused a fire at a major Baltic fuel terminal operated by Novatek,
 Reuters reported.

The Guardian added that Russia also accused Ukraine of attacking the Kursk nuclear power plant, where a drone strike allegedly disabled an auxiliary transformer, cutting reactor output by 50%. Authorities stressed that radiation levels were not affected.

KazTransOil has been supplying part of Kazakhstan’s oil westward via Ust-Luga since 2023, with monthly shipments of 80,000–100,000 tons. In 2024, volumes reportedly reached between 900,000 tons and 1.2 million tons. Kazakhstan also exports coal through the Baltic port.

Earlier this year, incidents raised concerns over the port’s security. In February, an explosion damaged a tanker at Ust-Luga, and in July, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy confirmed it was discussing additional protective measures for transport infrastructure with Russia.

In response to Orda.kz, the Kazakh Ministry of Energy said that the latest drone strike did not disrupt exports.

According to available information, yesterday's drone attack on the port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad Region did not affect export deliveries in this direction. Transportation is carried out as usual,
 the ministry’s press service state

Original Author: Nikita Drobny