A significant oil terminal in Russia's second-largest city, St Petersburg, was struck by Ukraine overnight, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced. He characterized the facility as crucial infrastructure contributing revenue to Russia's war effort.

This attack marks a significant escalation in Ukraine's strategy to target Russia's energy sector. Kyiv claims these strikes have already disabled nearly 43% of Russia's oil refining capacity, a figure that has not been independently verified. Ukraine views Russian oil and gas facilities as legitimate targets, arguing that Moscow heavily relies on fossil fuel exports to finance its ongoing invasion.

St Petersburg Governor Aleksandr Beglov confirmed the city experienced a "massive drone attack" and admitted that the oil terminal was hit, though he reported no casualties. President Zelensky stated the targeted locations were approximately 850 km (528 miles) from Ukraine's border. A video shared by Zelensky appeared to show a drone approaching a target, followed by a large plume of black smoke. The BBC has verified that the St Petersburg oil terminal was indeed struck.

The Ukrainian military described the oil terminal as one of Russia's largest, with an annual production capacity of 12.5 million tonnes of petroleum products. Additionally, Ukraine reported hitting a key naval base of the Russian Baltic Fleet located in Kronstadt, within the same region. Russia has not yet issued an official comment on these specific claims regarding the naval base.

Governor Beglov stated that 72 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and shot down over St Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region, advising residents to remain indoors. He also warned of potential disruptions to mobile internet services. St Petersburg is home to over five million residents.

In a separate development, Ukraine's military spokesperson, Maj Andriy Kovalyov, denied claims made by President Vladimir Putin that the eastern Ukrainian town of Kostyantynivka was under full Russian control. Kovalyov stated that the town remains under Ukrainian defense forces' command, acknowledging "infiltration by small infantry groups" that were being neutralized.

President Putin had previously made a rare admission of fuel shortages resulting from Ukrainian attacks and recently signed legislation aimed at bolstering domestic fuel supplies. The conflict, initiated by Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues to see Ukraine employing long-range drone attacks against Russian infrastructure.

The extent of the damage to the St Petersburg oil terminal and the naval base remains unclear, and Russia's official response is still pending. The incident highlights Ukraine's growing capability to strike deep within Russian territory, targeting key economic and military assets.