In brief
Ukraine’s military confirmed striking one of Russia’s largest oil terminals in St Petersburg, devastating a vital energy hub that processes 12.5 million tonnes of petroleum. President Zelensky’s telegram highlighted the target’s economic significance and mentioned a hit on the nearby Kronstadt naval base. The governor of St Petersburg reported a massive drone barrage, shutting down the terminal with no casualties but causing extensive smoke and damage. Ukraine’s drone campaign is intensifying pressure on Russian energy infrastructure, while Russian officials have yet to officially respond. The event underscores the escalating use of long‑range drones in the conflict’s northern front.
Ukraine’s defence forces confirmed they struck an oil terminal in Russia’s second city, St Petersburg, and other targets in the north‑west region, according to a post by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky described the hit as “an important military target” that cuts into Russia’s war‑time revenue stream. He also flagged an overnight strike on Kronstadt, a nearby naval base used by the Russian Baltic Fleet.
St Petersburg Governor Aleksandr Beglov said the city endured a “massive” drone attack and confirmed that the oil terminal was indeed hit. He added that 72 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the region and urged residents to stay indoors until the threat subsides.
The oil terminal, described by Ukrainian officials as one of Russia’s largest, has a production capacity of 12.5 million tonnes per year. Ukraine’s strategy of long‑range drone strikes has increasingly targeted Russia’s critical energy infrastructure, causing fuel shortages across occupied territories.
Zelensky posted footage from the assault, showing a drone navigating toward the target and a massive column of black smoke erupting afterward. The BBC later verified that the terminal was indeed struck.
Russia has not publicly responded to the claim, but St Petersburg’s governor’s briefing emphasized the lack of casualties and highlighted the intensity of the drone barrage.
In a separate development, Ukrainian forces refuted Russia’s claim that the eastern town of Kostyantynivka is under full control, asserting it remains under Ukrainian defence. Military spokesman Maj Andriy Kovalyov acknowledged infiltration by small Russian infantry groups but noted they are being identified and neutralised.
The latest attacks, coupled with continued drone operations, continue to strain Russia’s energy supply and underscore the high‑stakes nature of the northern front in the broader war.
