A massive drone attack targeted the Primorsk port on the Baltic Sea, damaging a fuel tank and igniting a fire on March 23rd.
Drone Attack on Primorsk Port
A fuel tank at the Primorsk port was damaged, resulting in a fire, according to Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko. Ukrainian media reports suggest Ukrainian drones were responsible for the attack.
Russian forces reported intercepting or destroying 249 drones overnight, with activity concentrated in the Moscow, Leningrad, and Kursk regions.
Strategic Importance of Primorsk
The Primorsk port is a key export hub for high-grade diesel and Urals crude oil, handling over 1 million barrels of oil daily. Ukrainian media indicates the port also serves a “shadow fleet” of older tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions.
Previous Attacks and Refinery Disruptions
Ukrainian drones previously targeted Primorsk infrastructure in September 2025, disrupting oil loading operations. Kyiv has repeatedly attacked Russian oil export infrastructure throughout the conflict, including refineries in Ryazan, Kstovo, Tuapse, and Volgograd, as well as the Ust-Luga fuel terminal.
Impact on Russian Refining Capacity
Estimates from March 2026 suggest sustained drone attacks have temporarily disabled up to 40% of Russian refining capacity, directly impacting the Kremlin’s war machine and its reliance on energy revenue.