Striking Deep: How Ukraine Took the War to Russia’s Oil Ports

Source: Author’s Facebook page

I will comment on the strikes on the oil ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk in the Leningrad region on the Baltic Sea. And in general, why did we start to succeed in deep strikes, that is, strikes deep into the territory of the Russian Federation?

On the night of March 27, Ukrainian drones struck these ports for the third time in a week. Such consistency was made possible, among other things, thanks to middlestrikes—strikes at medium distances. In particular, against enemy air defense assets deployed in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Middlestrike has become more active in recent months. Air defense complexes deployed in the occupied territories of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions, and Crimea are being destroyed. These are short-range air defense systems (up to 20 km)—”Tor,” “Tunguska,” or “Osa”—as well as large medium- or long-range systems (250–300 km)—S-300, S-300V, or S-400 (“Triumph”) air defense systems.

When such systems are disabled, corridors are created in the air defense system through which our long-range drones and missiles can fly into Russian territory. An anti-aircraft missile system cannot be manufactured or repaired in one day.

However, frontline territories and the front line require constant air-strike cover. Therefore, Russia is forced to urgently seek a replacement, redeploying air defense assets from deep inside the Russian Federation to the occupied territories of Ukraine.

This exposes the Russian rear, making defense industry enterprises, oil refineries, arsenals, and other “interesting” facilities even more vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes. This is how a successful middle strike ensures a successful deep strike.

As a reminder, on the night of Friday, March 27, powerful explosions were heard in the Leningrad region of Russia. The oil terminals in Ust-Luga and Primorsk were attacked by drones. This is the second attack on these facilities in recent times.

On the night of March 29, drones once again attacked the Leningrad region of Russia. According to the Russian side, more than 30 drones were allegedly shot down. At the same time, the attack caused further damage to the port of Ust-Luga, where a fire broke out.

Meanwhile, Russia is imposing a ban on gasoline exports from April 1, 2026, due to falling production and rising prices. Officially, the authorities explain the move by the need to stabilize the domestic market, but the actual reason was a series of drone strikes on oil refining infrastructure.

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