Ukrainian Drones Blamed for Explosion at Russian Gas Export Terminal
In a shocking turn of events, Ukrainian drones have been blamed for an explosion at a major gas export terminal near St Petersburg in Russia. The blast resulted in a large fire at the Ust-Luga terminal, but fortunately, there were no reported injuries. Russian officials have confirmed that the attack was carried out by Ukrainian drones, with an official source in Kyiv revealing that the operation was masterminded by the SBU security service.
The use of drones has been prevalent in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago, but their progress has been minimal in recent months. This incident near St Petersburg has put the region on high alert, with regional governor Alexander Drozdenko implementing a “high alert regime” following the attack at the Novatek gas producer terminal in Ust-Luga.
Novatek, the gas producer, has suspended work at the terminal and stated that the fire was a result of “external influence.” However, no further details have been provided. Ukrainian sources claim that the fuel processed at the plant was being used to supply Russian troops in their war against Ukraine. They argue that this strike will significantly complicate logistics for the military and also serve as an economic blow to Russia, which exports fuel from the terminal.
Video footage published by Russia’s Fontanka.ru shows tankers moored near the raging fire. The video also captures two drones approaching St Petersburg before abruptly changing course towards the coast and the Ust-Luga port. Witnesses reported feeling the ground shake beneath their feet due to the explosions. The Russian Telegram channel Mash quotes a source saying they heard two explosions before the fire broke out. Approximately 150 staff members were evacuated from the terminal.
Another video circulating on Russian social media depicts massive balls of orange fire, with a man’s voice referencing the buzzing sound of a drone before the explosion. Flights in and out of St Petersburg were grounded prior to the explosions, as a plan known as “Carpet” was implemented.
In a separate incident, Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have shot down three Ukrainian drones in the Smolensk Region near the border with Ukraine. They also reported shooting down drones over Tula and Oryol in western Russia. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. Meanwhile, in eastern Ukraine, at least 25 people were killed and 20 injured in a shelling attack at a busy market in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk. Kyiv has not yet commented on this attack.
It is worth noting that both Russia and Ukraine have been targeting each other’s energy infrastructure. Just a day before the explosion at the gas terminal, a fire broke out at an oil depot in Bryansk, southwest Russia, which Moscow attributed to a Ukrainian drone strike. Additionally, a major oil loading terminal in St Petersburg was targeted in an attack. On Thursday, Russia claimed to have captured a village near the devastated city of Bakhmut in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, although Kyiv has not confirmed this claim.
These recent events highlight the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine has repeatedly warned about severe ammunition shortages in its army but has set a target of producing one million drones domestically this year. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago continues to have far-reaching consequences, with both countries engaged in a battle for control and dominance.
The situation remains volatile, and it is unclear how these incidents will impact the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As tensions continue to rise, it is crucial for international actors to intervene and work towards a peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation and loss of life.
