Near the Bosphorus, unidentified drones attacked the Turkish-flagged tanker Altura, which was transporting Russian Urals oil from the port of Novorossiysk. According to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, the vessel is part of Russia’s "shadow fleet" and is under sanctions. Over the past year and a half, this tanker has carried about 6 million barrels of Russian oil.
Meanwhile, overnight drone attacks targeted the Kirishi Oil Refinery in the Leningrad region, resulting in a massive fire. This facility is one of Russia’s key refineries, specializing in diesel exports through the Ust-Luga and Primorsk ports. Both ports have now suspended operations due to Ukrainian drone strikes. Ust-Luga and Primorsk handle almost half of all Russian oil exports and a significant share of its liquefied gas.
As a result of these attacks, Russia’s oil and gas export infrastructure is suffering significant losses, impacting the national economy. Damaged port facilities mean tankers are forced to remain at sea, and refinery output is declining.
In response, Russian authorities have introduced internet restrictions, citing security against drone attacks. These measures are complicating the work of the army and sparking protests, including among schoolchildren and dissenting citizens. Meanwhile, Russian state media accuses Ukraine and Western countries of escalating the conflict and attacking civilian targets.
Ukrainian officials argue that continued strikes on Russian export infrastructure are necessary to reduce the Kremlin’s ability to finance the war. Volunteers are supplying FPV drones to Ukrainian security forces, and the military reports on the effective use of these at the front.
