“The counter-action is ongoing,” said Leningrad Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko, as Russia and Ukraine engaged in a series of retaliatory drone and artillery strikes.
The escalation on Nov. 11 followed reports that Baltic nations issued alerts regarding drones entering from neighboring Russia or Belarus.
Drone Strikes Hit Russian Energy Infrastructure
Ukrainian drones targeted Russia’s northwest on Wednesday, setting the Ust-Luga port area on fire and injuring three people, according to Reuters. The site, a critical facility for Baltic Sea exports, had previously been struck by Ukrainian forces on Sept. 1.
In the Leningrad region, Governor Drozdenko reported that Russian air defenses downed 146 drones, though falling debris caused damage and injuries. Earlier, a separate strike on the Kirishi oil refinery killed a local woman, Reuters reported. Ukrainian forces have now disrupted operations at nearly 30 major Russian oil refineries through similar long-range drone strikes.
No remote controls, no comms: the Defence Forces strike drone control posts On 10 November and during the night of 11 November, units of the Defence Forces of Ukraine focused their strikes on the “brains” of the russian army – the posts from which the enemy controls its drones… pic.twitter.com/ETPbQo9BMM
Russian Strikes Target Ukrainian Power Grid
Russian forces responded with strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, hitting three electricity substations in the Kryvyi Rih and Odesa regions overnight, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated. The attacks knocked out power in parts of Kryvyi Rih and resulted in injuries across Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, officials told Reuters.
Separately, the Russian ministry claimed its forces struck a cargo vessel in the Black Sea southwest of Odesa, alleging the ship was transporting weapons for the Ukrainian military. Meanwhile, TASS reported that Ukrainian artillery fired at least 31 shells into the Russian-occupied Donetsk region, wounding three civilians in the Horlivka area.
Baltic Nations Issue Airspace Alerts
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia issued urgent alerts for drones entering their airspace from Russia or Belarus, Reuters reported. Lithuanian officials confirmed the warning included Kaunas, the country’s second-largest city, and said that NATO air defense jets were activated in response to the incursions.
Finland also implemented temporary airspace and maritime restrictions in the eastern Gulf of Finland as a precautionary measure before later withdrawing them. “The restrictions were a precautionary measure to ensure the authorities’ ability to operate and the safety of bystanders,” the Finnish defence forces said on X.
Peace Talks Continue in Abu Dhabi
The military exchanges took place as US-mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi entered their second day on Wednesday. Negotiators are focusing on security guarantees to end the conflict, which is nearing its five-year mark.
“The first day of talks was constructive and quite substantive,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said regarding the sessions. The negotiations follow a localized truce brokered last month near the occupied city of Oleshky, though fierce fighting has continued along the 1,200-kilometer front line despite the diplomatic efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Ust-Luga port significant?
Ust-Luga is a major export hub for Russian crude oil. According to the European Commission, the port is frequently used to transport oil via a "shadow fleet" of vessels designed to circumvent international sanctions.
What is the status of the Kirishi refinery?
The refinery, in the Leningrad region, was set ablaze by drone debris on Monday. Local authorities in the Leningrad region confirmed the fire was contained, though the strike resulted in the death of a civilian.
Are there ongoing diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting?
Yes, US-mediated peace talks are currently underway in Abu Dhabi. While President Zelenskyy described the initial discussions as constructive, both sides continue to report active combat operations across the front line.