St Petersburg hit by deadly overnight drone attack on oil and tech
An overnight drone attack on St Petersburg, Russia killed at least one person, injured five, and targeted oil terminals, an Ozon logistics center, and a VK data center.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Overnight drone strikes on St Petersburg, Russia left at least one person dead and five others injured.
- Targets included the St Petersburg Oil Terminal, Ruchyi oil depot, an Ozon logistics center, and a VKontakte data center.
- Pulkovo Airport was temporarily closed, while 12 apartment buildings and two homes sustained structural damage.
- Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian energy facilities after a brief three-day pause following prior announcements.
A deadly overnight drone attack struck the Russian city of St Petersburg, successfully hitting critical energy and technology infrastructure. Regional Governor Alexander Beglov stated that emergency crews were working to extinguish fires at the St Petersburg Oil Terminal and the Ruchyi oil depot. The coordinated assault resulted in at least one fatality and left a minimum of five individuals injured across the city.
Beyond the petroleum facilities, the strikes also targeted major digital and logistics hubs. A logistics center operated by Ozon, widely known as Russia's Amazon, and a regional data center belonging to the social network VKontakte were hit during the barrage. The disruptions forced Pulkovo Airport to temporarily suspend operations, while Governor Beglov reported that 12 apartment buildings and two private homes suffered damage from the attacks and falling debris.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Social media giant VK confirmed that a drone targeted its regional data center, though it emphasized that its services remained operational as usual despite earlier user outage reports in the early hours. Similarly, Ozon acknowledged that its local facility was struck, triggering a fire that prompted a full staff evacuation with no injuries reported. Ozon added that the location had temporarily ceased accepting seller shipments as it was being repurposed for alternative operational needs. Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry claimed to have intercepted over 1,000 Ukrainian drones nationwide overnight into Sunday.
The resumption of strikes follows a brief three-day pause by Ukraine on Russian oil facilities, which Kyiv views as essential for crippling Moscow's war financing. The renewed offensive drew criticism from Donald Trump, who called for a truce to support a diesel supply deal he brokered with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The controversial agreement has sparked domestic pushback in the United States, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggesting the pact equates to US financial backing of Russia's military campaign.
The escalation of targeting deep within Russian territory, including major urban centers like St Petersburg, highlights Kyiv's ongoing strategy to disrupt the Russian economy and critical supply chains. Simultaneously, the diplomatic friction over diesel imports and sanctions relief illustrates the complex intersection of global energy markets and international politics as the conflict grinds toward another winter.
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced via Telegram that he held discussions with top US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, confirming ongoing communications between their teams to map out upcoming diplomatic maneuvers. As the full-scale conflict enters its fifth year, both nations continue to intensify attacks on each other's energy grids ahead of freezing winter conditions.
Source: BBC World
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