Russian oil exports plummet at key ports following Ukrainian drone strikes, with Ust-Luga hit the hardest — intelligence
Russian oil export volumes have dropped significantly following a series of strikes by Ukrainian defense forces on key ports, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported, citing data from Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
The Ukrainian leader revealed a sharp decline in cargo loading across Russia’s major maritime hubs. According to the report, exports fell by 13% at the Port of Primorsk and 38% in Novorossiysk, while the Port of Ust-Luga saw the most dramatic impact with a 43% decrease.
Zelenskyy suggested that Moscow may be underreporting these figures and affirmed that Ukraine will continue operations aimed at draining Russia’s oil revenues.
Beyond the economic front, Ukrainian intelligence intercepted Russian documents outlining a Kremlin strategy to block international investment in Ukraine’s defense industry. Specifically, Moscow aims to sabotage "Drone Deals" and disrupt bilateral security agreements concerning weapons production.
Zelenskyy noted that Russia is focusing these efforts on undermining Ukraine's partnerships with nations in the Middle East and the Gulf.
The intelligence also highlighted an expansion of Russia’s military presence in Africa, with the Russian contingent reportedly increasing by 8,000 personnel. In these regions, Russia is working to establish drone supply chains and local production facilities, as well as launch military training programs.
"According to our assessment, the expansion of such military activity by Russia could, unfortunately, inevitably lead to the modernization and strengthening of terrorist organizations, cross-border crime, and instability in regions of the world that are critically important in terms of migration," Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international response to counter these developments.
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