Massive Fires Engulf Russian Oil Facilities Following Ukrainian Strikes: Satellite Images Reveal Extent of Damage

Satellite images and verified videos show Ukraine has repeatedly targeted key Russian oil export infrastructure near the Baltic Sea, leaving some facilities ablaze for several days.

At least three major sites in Russia’s Leningrad region—including the ports of Ust-Luga, Primorsk, and the Kirishi refinery—have been struck since 23 March. The attacks, confirmed by intelligence analysis from Vantor and Crea (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air), have severely disrupted operations at these critical export hubs.

Drone Strikes Keep Fires Burning
Ukraine’s drone forces commander, Robert Brovdi, confirmed that Ust-Luga was struck again on Monday night to “keep the fire going.” Satellite imagery shows enormous black smoke plumes rising from Primorsk and Ust-Luga, while Kirishi suffered extensive damage to storage tanks. FIRMS satellite data indicates fires persisted into Monday, highlighting the scale and intensity of the strikes.

Human Impact and Local Response
Leningrad region Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported three injuries, including two children, as 38 drones were intercepted during the attacks. Despite the human toll, the operational impact on Russia’s oil exports is significant: 20% of the country’s total oil exports depart from Ust-Luga and 22% from Primorsk, and recent data shows no ships were loaded at the three ports on 26 and 27 March—a rare two-day halt since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

Strategic Implications
Brovdi explained the strikes aim to “demilitarise Russia’s oil arteries, refining capacity, and crude export infrastructure.” The Kirishi refinery is among Russia’s largest oil-processing plants, producing fuels that sustain the Russian armed forces. Analysts warn the attacks could disrupt energy markets and amplify pressure on Russia’s war capabilities.

Extent of Damage

• Primorsk: At least eight storage tanks destroyed or damaged
• Ust-Luga: At least eight tanks destroyed or damaged
• Kirishi: Two tanks damaged

Verified videos and satellite imagery illustrate the scale of destruction, showing massive smoke clouds over the Baltic Sea and devastated oil storage areas. The continued fires underscore Ukraine’s growing capability to strike strategic economic and military infrastructure.