Susanna Riva Late in the night of November 11, a series of air strikes rocked several regions of western Russia and Ukraine . The first incident, reported by Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko, occurred in the port of Ust-Luga, a major oil export hub on the Baltic Sea.
Fire at the port of Ust-Luga caused by drones
According to a Telegram message from Governor Alexander Drozdenko , a UAV strike hit the industrial area of Ust-Luga, starting a fire that quickly engulfed the port facilities. The blaze was contained thanks to the intervention of firefighters, but the damage to the infrastructure remains unclear.
The event is considered one of the most serious threats to Russian energy security in recent months , as the port is crucial for the transit of crude oil to European markets.
Reactions from the authorities
Regional authorities have launched an investigation to identify the origin of the drones and have strengthened air control measures near the Baltic Sea.
Drozdenko stressed the need to increase surveillance to prevent further similar incidents.
Leningrad: 146 drones shot down during combat operations
Meanwhile, that same night, Russian air defense officials claimed to have neutralized 146 drones in the skies over the Leningrad region. Again in a Telegram message, Drozdenko confirmed that the operation was part of "ongoing combat operations."
Anti-aircraft forces employed medium-range defense systems to target unidentified aircraft, thus preventing potential damage to civilian infrastructure. This high number of destroyed units suggests intensified reconnaissance or attack activities in the area, although authorities have not yet provided further details on the type of drones used.
Raid in Odessa: civilian casualties and damage to homes
Further south, in the Odessa region, Russian forces launched an attack that killed a 69-year-old man and injured a 70-year-old woman. Oleh Kiper , head of the Odessa Regional Military Administration , reported on Telegram that the attack hit a residential area, damaging a three-story apartment building and other civilian infrastructure.
The incident has reignited debate over the safety of civilians in conflict zones. Ukrainian authorities condemned the attack, calling it a "crime against civilians." Some local sources have suggested that the attack may have been carried out with precision aerial munitions , but the investigation is ongoing.
Violation of Lithuanian airspace
Amid the broader air tension, an "unidentified drone" was detected in Lithuanian airspace. The country's crisis management center reported the sighting, but no further information has been provided on any actions taken to intercept the aircraft.
This episode highlights the growing difficulty of monitoring and controlling such a vast and complex area, where technical uncertainties and political motivations are intertwined.
Diplomacy underway: negotiations in Abu Dhabi
In parallel with the military events, peace talks resumed in Abu Dhabi that same day. A US delegation led by Special Envoy for Peace Steve Witkoff and former adviser Jared Kushner resumed talks with the parties involved. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that "post-conflict security parameters are being discussed."
Despite diplomatic efforts, Moscow accuses Brussels of interfering in the negotiations, calling it a "disruption." The diplomatic tension adds another layer of complexity to the already delicate situation on the ground.