Drones attacked the port of Ust-Luga in Russia, probable target of attack identified (Updated)

Damage to facilities of the production complex "NOVATEK - Ust-Luga" was likely caused by drone attacks on August 14 at the Russian port of Ust-Luga. This conclusion was reached by an OSINT analyst at the independent publication Astra after reviewing eyewitness videos.

The released footage shows smoke rising over the port area during the attack. Based on geolocation, Astra suggests that the strike may have targeted the complex for fractionation and transshipment of stable gas condensate of the Novatek company.

Final independent confirmation of damage to this specific facility is currently lacking. Russian authorities also have not named the specific object that was damaged.

At around 06:00, Leningrad Oblast Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported "damage in the area of the Ust-Luga port". About half an hour later, he stated that the damage on the territory of the port caused a fire.

After 08:00, Drozdenko claimed that the consequences of the attack had been completely eliminated and that there were no dead or injured. According to him, Russian air defense allegedly shot down 54 drones over Leningrad Oblast during the night.

Ust-Luga is one of the key seaports of Russia on the Baltic Sea and an important hub for the export of oil, petroleum products, and other raw materials. The "NOVATEK - Ust-Luga" complex is used for processing gas condensate and transshipping products to maritime transport.

The port regularly becomes a target of drone attacks. According to Astra, in 2026 attacks on Ust-Luga were recorded on July 6, May 3, April 7, and March 31. In March alone, port facilities were attacked five times.

Attacks on the infrastructure of Ust-Luga have been ongoing for over two years. The first known large-scale attack occurred on January 21, 2024. At that time, a large fire broke out at the Novatek terminal, which took several hours to extinguish.

During the current attack, drones were also recorded heading towards Moscow and in the Tver region. In the Moscow region, Russian authorities reported air defense operations, and near Tver, drone debris damaged the wall of a Wildberries warehouse. No employees were injured, according to official data.

Operations at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg were temporarily restricted due to the attack. After flights resumed, delays persisted in the morning schedule.

At the time of publication, the Ukrainian side had not officially reported on the targets and results of the strike on Ust-Luga. Therefore, the conclusion about possible damage to the Novatek complex is based on OSINT analysis of video from the scene.

Source: Astra