Ukraine’s Defense Forces have moved to systematically target key maritime gateways for Russia’s hydrocarbon exports in the Baltic and Black Seas.
Combined attacks involving long-range UAVs and naval drones have caused critical disruptions to Russia’s exports of crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied gas, with shipments on some routes brought to a complete halt.
Ust-Luga and the Baltic region
Ust-Luga is Russia’s largest strategic hub on the Baltic Sea. Repeated strikes on the NOVATEK processing complex and storage facilities have disabled gas condensate primary processing units. This has led to a prolonged suspension of shipments of oil, crude oil and jet fuel.
Novorossiysk and the Port of Kavkaz
In the Black Sea, strikes on terminals in Novorossiysk and the Kerch Strait have severely disrupted Russia’s southern export logistics.
The destruction of railway ferries, including the Conro Trader, in the Port of Kavkaz completely cut off rail deliveries of fuel tankers.
Damage to maritime terminals in Novorossiysk has reduced the port’s capacity to handle tanker traffic.
Key economic consequences for Russia
Declining exports. Seaborne shipments of Russian petroleum products fell by more than 50% compared with normal levels.
Logistical disruption. Damage to Russian refineries and ports forced Moscow to completely ban domestic exports of gasoline and diesel fuel.
Financial losses. Freight and war-risk insurance costs in the Baltic and Black Seas have risen several-fold, depriving the Russian budget of a key source of revenue from oil sales.