Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Baltic Oil Port as Abu Dhabi Talks Begin

A Ukrainian drone attack set fire to the Russian Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga, one of western Russia's most important oil export hubs, according to regional governor Aleksandr Drozdenko. The attack disrupted operations, with 18 flights cancelled at Pulkovo airport near St. Petersburg. The governor reported that 146 drones were neutralized in the Leningrad region overnight, with combat operations ongoing. This attack is part of Ukraine's intensified 18-month campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure to reduce Kremlin revenues and its ability to fund the war. Meanwhile, the first day of Russia-Ukraine-US talks in Abu Dhabi concluded, with Ukrainian President Zelensky calling negotiations "constructive" while US Secretary of State Rubio warned "the road is still long." Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov rejected European demands for an immediate ceasefire.