Russian oil export infrastructure continues to bear the brunt of Ukraine's stepped-up attacks, with drones striking Russia's Ust-Luga port for the fifth time in 10 days. The attacks, which have resulted in injuries and property damage, have forced the suspension of export operations at the port. According to regional governor Alexander Drozdenko, three people, including two children, were treated for injuries, and several buildings were damaged in the overnight attacks.
Ust-Luga, a sprawling complex of oil-processing facilities and export terminals, is a critical hub for Russia's oil export operations, handling around 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The port's export operations have been suspended multiple times in recent days, with authorities citing disruptions due to drone attacks. Ukraine has launched a series of drone attacks on Russia's oil export infrastructure over the past month, targeting the Baltic ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk.
The escalation of the conflict has led to a surge in oil prices, with Brent crude topping $116 a barrel. The disruption to Russia's oil export capacity has been significant, with at least 40 percent of its oil export capacity halted due to drone attacks and other disruptions. Ukraine's cash-strapped economy is also feeling the pinch, with rising fuel costs due to the surge in oil prices.
The European Union has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, with top diplomat Kaja Kallas and several EU foreign ministers visiting Kyiv to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's massacre in Bucha. Kallas emphasized the EU's commitment to ensuring that Russia is held accountable for its actions in Ukraine.
When Kaja Kallas says that Bucha has come to symbolise the cruelty of Russia's war, it means that the EU is now firmly positioned to take a hard stance against Russia's actions in Ukraine. The EU's commitment to holding Russia accountable for its crimes in Ukraine is a clear message to Moscow that its actions will not go unpunished. This stance has significant implications for the global balance of power, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
