Russia has accused Britain of orchestrating drone strikes on its key oil ports in the Baltic Sea, labelling the attacks a 'special operation' straight out of London's playbook, in claims aired on Vladimir Putin's state television that have stoked WW3 fears across Europe. The latest barrage hit Ust-Luga overnight on 31 March 2026, marking the sixth assault on the facility in nine days and causing widespread disruption, including flight delays at St. Petersburg's Pulkovo airport.
Ukraine has ramped up long-range drone campaigns against Russian energy infrastructure over recent weeks, crippling exports from ports like Ust-Luga and Primorsk on the Gulf of Finland. These strikes have slashed Putin's oil revenues at a time when global prices are surging, squeezing the funds propping up his war effort in Ukraine.
