Drone attack on the Ust-Luga port in the Leningrad region: the Central Dispatch Department highlighted its significance.

Drones targeted the Ust-Luga port in the Leningrad region on January 4. This port is extremely significant for Russia in the context of the war.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Telegram from the head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation (CPD), Andrei Kovalenko.

"On the night of January 4, unidentified drones attacked the largest seaport in Russia, Ust-Luga, located in the Leningrad region," he stated.

Why Ust-Luga Port is Important

The Ust-Luga port plays a crucial role for Russia amid the war against Ukraine and the overall geopolitical tension.

"Firstly, it serves as a logistics hub for circumventing sanctions. Ust-Luga has become one of the main export points for Russian oil, gas, coal, and other resources following the imposition of Western sanctions. The revenues from exports fund the war," Kovalenko explained.

Secondly, according to him, this facility aids in the militarization of the Baltic region and is a location for the arrival and departure of a shadow fleet.

"The port is situated at a strategically important point in the Baltic Sea, enabling Russia to maintain a naval presence in the region, including shipments for military needs," the military expert noted.

Additionally, the Ust-Luga port serves as an alternative to European routes.

"Due to sanctions, Russia has lost access to many European ports, making Ust-Luga the primary outlet to international markets. Goods are transshipped here for Asian countries, including China and India. Moreover, through Ust-Luga, Russia retains the capability to exert pressure on the Baltic states, Poland, and other countries in the region by controlling strategic maritime transport," Kovalenko added.

As summarized by the CPD, the Ust-Luga port has effectively become a tool for Russia's economic and military survival in the face of isolation.

Drone Attack on the Port in Ust-Luga

On January 4, drones attacked the largest seaport in Russia in the settlement of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region. It is considered the second largest after Novorossiysk.

Recall that on January 21, an explosion occurred at the oil terminal of the Ust-Luga seaport. These incidents were the result of a special operation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).