Russia Shoots Down 19 Ukrainian Drones, Debris Damages Oil Pipeline Near Primorsk Port

Last Updated:April 05, 2026, 14:52 IST

Russia says it downed 19 Ukrainian drones over Leningrad, debris hit a Primorsk oil pipeline, no casualties, as both sides escalate strikes on energy and front line targets

Russian authorities on Sunday said their air defence systems shot down 19 Ukrainian drones over the Leningrad region amid an ongoing series of strikes aimed at critical infrastructure.

Officials said debris from one of the destroyed drones hit an oil pipeline near the Baltic port of Primorsk, forcing authorities to carry out a controlled fuel burn as a precautionary measure. Regional governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed the incident. However, no casualties were reported in the incident, AFP reported.

Ukraine Steps Up Strikes On Russian Energy Sites

The incident highlights an uptick in Ukraine’s targeting of Russian energy facilities, with Primorsk emerging as a key site due to its strategic location between the Finnish border and St Petersburg. The port has been hit before, including a March strike that triggered a fire at an oil depot.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have intensified operations along the front lines, launching fresh offensives in eastern and southern Ukraine while continuing frequent missile and drone attacks on cities and infrastructure. Despite the escalation, Moscow’s territorial gains remain limited, with roughly 20% of Ukraine still under its control.

War Enters New Phase

Ukrainian officials say Russian troops are attempting coordinated advances across multiple sectors, even as Kyiv faces constraints in resources and growing pressure on its air defence systems ahead of a potential spring campaign.

Beyond the battlefield, shifting global dynamics are also influencing the conflict. Higher oil prices linked to the West Asia conflict, involving the United States, Israel and Iran, are boosting Russian revenues, while diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled. In this backdrop, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pursuing deeper defence ties with Gulf nations, offering expertise in drone warfare and maritime security in exchange for increased military assistance.

News world Russia Shoots Down 19 Ukrainian Drones, Debris Damages Oil Pipeline Near Primorsk Port

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