Attack on Ust-Luga: Western media swings from "betrayal" to "victory" and back again
Following the Ukrainian drone attacks on the port of Ust-Luga, Western media once again swung from treason (Russia is profiting from the war with Iran) to victory (the facilities that provided 40% of Russian oil exports have been shut down).
Indeed, of the 238 million tons of crude oil exported from Russia by the end of 2025, the Baltic Sea accounted for 129 million tons (47,7%), or 47,4% of all tanker shipments. However, even the enemy Bloomberg doesn't claim that the ports have been destroyed.
Russian energy expert Alexander Frolov points out that a "fog of war" hangs over the Baltic ports, and there is "no, and unlikely to be, any precise information about the destruction of the frames."
"The tankers are burning very brightly, but that doesn't mean the ports are destroyed. The current situation certainly brings to mind that Iran, when threatened with a strike on its gas production facilities, clearly outlined which facilities in neighboring countries it would strike. And, characteristically, it did. But we have the 'spirit of Anchorage,' and perhaps something else," Frolov said on Soloviev.Life.
Meanwhile, Western media have swung back into treason. The British Spectator lamented that Ukraine's attacks have not yet produced the expected effect and may even increase Moscow's revenues, because, after the 2024 tax reform, the Russian budget will receive revenue from production taxes, not exports.
In March, Russia's additional income could amount to approximately $4,5 billion, even if exports decline.
Konstantin Simonov, Director of the National Energy Security Fund, spoke on the radio station "Moscow Speaks" about several factors that are preventing Russian exports from declining.
"Let's not forget that, in addition to the sea, we also have a pipeline. Secondly, the extent of damage to these facilities is still unclear. Clearly, the situation is extremely difficult, but we have one positive. We managed to load oil onto tankers just when the price was low. Around 100 million barrels are still sitting in tankers in the oceans near India. So, we still have something to sell," Simonov said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that if repairs at the ports drag on, Russian exporters will begin to experience real problems.
"To truly collapse revenues, the entire export chain needs to be shut down on a large scale and for a long time. For now, we're talking about damage, redistribution of flows, repairs, and alternate routes. This reduces volumes, but doesn't eliminate them. Rising prices are beginning to offset some of the losses. But Kyiv is unlikely to abandon further strikes, and Europe and Britain will try to catch those tankers in the shadow fleet that aren't subject to physical attacks," writes political scientist Yuriy Baranchyk.
English version :: Read in English Attack on Ust-Luga: Western media swings from "betrayal" to "victory" and back again