Iran War Takes a Back Seat, Drones Strike Russia

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - A drone attack struck Russia’s Baltic port of Ust-Luga on Tuesday (31/3/2026). This is the third time such an incident has occurred in the past week.

“Russia’s air defence shot down 38 unmanned aerial vehicles overnight in the Leningrad region in the northwest,” said Governor Alexander Drozdenko, quoted by AFP.

“There was damage at the Ust-Luga port,” he added, noting that three people, including two children, were injured in the overnight attack.

This port in the Gulf of Finland is a major hub for Russian exports of fertilisers, oil, and coal. The attack is believed to be linked to Russia’s war with Ukraine.

Ukraine has ramped up retaliatory strikes against Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries, oil depots, and ports, stating that the attacks are justified as part of efforts to cut revenues funding Russia’s assaults. Russian authorities reported on Wednesday and Sunday that Ukrainian drone strikes had caused fires at the port.

In reality, negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv are being mediated by the United States (US) to end the four-year war. However, the talks are stalled due to fighting in the Middle East.