Jan 21 (TopNews) – An explosion at the Ust-Luga gas terminal near St Petersburg in Russia has been attributed to a Ukrainian drone attack, causing a significant fire, as reported by BBC News.
Russian officials confirmed the incident but stated that there were no injuries. Eyewitnesses described the ground shaking beneath them with the force of the explosions. Regional governor Alexander Drozdenko declared a “high alert regime” following the incident at the Novatek gas producer terminal.
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In Kyiv, an official source revealed that the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) orchestrated the drone attack as part of a “special operation.” Both Russia and Ukraine have employed drones in the ongoing conflict, which began almost two years ago.
Novatek, the gas producer, temporarily suspended operations at the terminal, attributing the fire to “external influence.” The Ukrainians claim that the targeted fuel processing plant supplied Russian troops in their conflict with Ukraine, complicating logistics for the military.
The attack is also seen as an economic blow to Russia, which exports fuel from the terminal. Fontanka.ru reported drone sightings approaching St Petersburg and shared videos showing tankers near the fire. Witnesses reported hearing two explosions, and approximately 150 staff were evacuated.
In response to the drone attack, Russia’s defence ministry reported shooting down three Ukrainian drones near its border with Ukraine. In a separate incident, at least 25 people were killed in shelling at a market in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine.
Both Russia and Ukraine have been targeting each other’s energy infrastructure. A fire at a Russian oil depot in Bryansk was attributed to a Ukrainian drone strike, while a major oil loading terminal in St Petersburg was attacked a day prior.
The situation remains tense as the conflict continues, with ongoing military movements and reported territorial advancements by both sides.