Ukrainian drone attack targets Russian port and oil facilities near St Petersburg

Russia said Ukraine carried out one of its largest drone attacks on the St Petersburg region overnight, targeting key energy and port infrastructure.

Russia said Ukraine carried out one of its largest drone attacks on the St Petersburg region overnight, targeting key energy and port infrastructure. Russian officials reported that air defence systems intercepted dozens of drones, but confirmed that oil related facilities and areas around a major Baltic Sea port were struck.

St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov described the incident as a large scale drone attack on Russia’s second largest city. He said an oil terminal in the city was hit but added that emergency services quickly responded to the scene and there were no reports of casualties. Authorities said the damage was brought under control within hours.

The neighbouring Leningrad region also came under heavy attack. Governor Alexander Drozdenko said a drone struck the area around the port of Vysotsk, located about 170 kilometres northwest of St Petersburg on the Baltic Sea. The port is an important transport hub that handles oil, grain, coal and liquefied natural gas, making it a valuable part of Russia’s export network.

According to Drozdenko, Russian air defence units shot down 72 drones over the Leningrad region during the attack. He said several towns suffered minor damage but did not provide details about the condition of facilities at Vysotsk port or whether port operations had been affected.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes were aimed at infrastructure that supports Russia’s military campaign. In a statement, he said Ukrainian forces targeted oil facilities that generate revenue for the war effort and also struck Kronstadt, a strategically important naval base located near St Petersburg. Russian officials did not confirm any attack on Kronstadt or report damage at the military installation.

Kronstadt has previously been targeted by Ukrainian forces during earlier drone operations. If confirmed, the latest strike would demonstrate Ukraine’s ability to reach military sites located hundreds of kilometres from its border.

Ukraine has significantly increased long range drone attacks on Russian territory this year, with a particular focus on oil depots, fuel storage sites and other energy infrastructure. The strategy is intended to disrupt supplies that support Russia’s military operations while also placing pressure on the country’s economy.

The repeated attacks have contributed to fuel shortages in several parts of Russia. In the town of Gatchina in the Leningrad region, residents were seen waiting in long lines outside petrol stations as supplies became limited. Some fuel stations reportedly ran out of petrol altogether, forcing drivers to search for available fuel elsewhere.

One resident, identified as Gennadiy, said the shortages had become increasingly frustrating. He explained that after waiting in line to fill his vehicle, he expected to return within days because fuel was being used faster than supplies could be restored.

Elsewhere in Russia, officials also reported additional drone attacks. Authorities in the Bryansk region and Russian controlled Crimea said one person was killed in each area after separate strikes. Several other people were injured during the attacks, according to local officials.

In the Pskov region, south of St Petersburg, Governor Mikhail Vedernikov said air defence systems intercepted more than 30 drones overnight. He reported minor damage to buildings and said a factory in the town of Velikiye Luki was among the sites affected. Some injuries were also reported, although officials said the damage was limited.

The latest wave of attacks highlights the growing reach of Ukraine’s drone campaign and the increasing pressure on Russian infrastructure far from the front lines. As both sides continue to target strategic facilities, the conflict is expanding beyond the battlefield and placing greater strain on civilian infrastructure and essential services across the region.