Massive Ukrainian drone wave hits Russian oil depots and infrastructure

UPDATE - follow-up to St. Petersburg oil facilities ablaze as Ukraine launches more than 1,000 drones at Russia: Ukrainian drone strikes on St. Petersburg ignited blazes at the Petersburg Oil Terminal and the Ruchyi oil depot, resulting in one death and five injuries, according to regional Governor Alexander Beglov. The assault formed part of a massive aerial offensive involving over 1,000 drones across Russia, with the country's defence ministry reporting that 1,015 unmanned aircraft were intercepted over 15 regions, Crimea, and the Black Sea.

Industrial Targets

The widespread barrage also struck civilian and corporate infrastructure. A logistics hub run by online retailer Ozon and a data centre operated by tech firm VK were hit, though both companies confirmed their operations or teams managed the incidents. Local authorities noted that 12 apartment buildings and two homes sustained damage in St. Petersburg, and Pulkovo Airport faced a temporary shutdown alongside possible mobile internet disruptions.

Diplomatic Friction

The large-scale operation arrived amid mounting diplomatic friction between Kyiv and Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the attacks on Russian energy sites, following his decision to sign an executive order waiving planned sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy argued on NBC's 'Meet the Press' that easing these penalties would bolster President Vladimir Putin's military campaign, though he confirmed that intelligence sharing between Washington and Kyiv had resumed.

Retaliation in Zaporizhzhia

Meanwhile, Russian bombardments on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia killed a woman and wounded at least two others, including a six-year-old girl. Mykhailo Semikin, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, stated that two residential buildings, 18 vehicles, and an educational facility suffered damage in those strikes.

Context

These events reflect the ongoing strategy by Ukraine to target Russia's key economic revenue streams while navigating complex international diplomatic pressures over energy supplies and sanctions. The escalation underscores how aerial operations continue to affect both frontline regions and major Russian urban centres far from the border.