Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) struck three Russian oil pumping stations – NPS-3 in Smolensk, NPS Andreepol in Tver, and NPS-7 in Novgorod – on September 12th, 2025, targeting key components of a pipeline system supplying crude oil to the Ust-Luga port terminal. The strikes were reported as continuing earlier activity, which included drone debris found around Russia's Primorsk sea port, with hits on a vessel and an oil pumping station confirmed by the Leningrad region governor. These actions by the SBU follow the launch of NATO's "Eastern Sentry" operation, aimed at bolstering regional security in response to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace. Denmark, France, and Germany have contributed fighter jets and warships to the operation. The heightened tensions are occurring amidst escalating rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, including threats of sanctions. In parallel, U.S. senators introduced legislation on September 12th, 2025, to designate Russia and Belarus as state sponsors of terrorism, citing the abduction of over 19,000 Ukrainian children. Senator Lindsey Graham stated that Russia has "earned its place on the list." Earlier on September 12th, 2025, fires at Russia's port of Primorsk were extinguished following drone strikes, with no reported victims or environmental threats. Significant delays were also reported at the Kerch Bridge, with 1205 vehicles in a queue for manual inspection.
