A Ukrainian drone attack targeted an oil terminal in St. Petersburg on Saturday, according to Russian authorities. This incident marks another move by Ukraine in its efforts to impact Russian oil infrastructure. Continuous long-range attacks on these facilities have led to a fuel crisis in Russia, increasing political pressure on the Kremlin as the conflict with Ukraine extends into its fifth year.
Drones and Military Targets
Governor Alexander Beglov reported that the Kirovsky district, located on the Baltic Sea, was the site of the attack. In response, Russian air defenses managed to intercept 72 Ukrainian drones over St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the strike a component of Ukraine’s “long-range sanctions” targeting Russia. He mentioned that Ukrainian forces also successfully hit a military target on Kronstadt Island, situated off St. Petersburg’s coast. “The Ukrainian defense forces hit the port oil infrastructure, generating funds for the Russian war, and there were hits on Kronstadt, a significant military target,” he stated on Telegram.
The Kirovsky district previously experienced a similar attack in June, right before the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Impact on Crimea and Civilian Suffering
In Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, heavy strikes have led local authorities to halt gasoline sales to civilians. On Saturday, an attack killed one person and injured two others, including a child aged ten, as reported by the Moscow-installed Governor Sergei Aksyonov.
Russian Response and Claims
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy facilities as “not critical.” He asserted that the conflict would persist until Russia achieves its objectives. Putin described these attacks as an attempt by Ukraine to divert attention from its battlefield losses, despite analysts noting halted progress by Russian forces in recent months.
On Friday, Putin visited the Russian military headquarters overseeing operations in Ukraine and received an update on the capture of Kostyantynivka after prolonged street battles. He described it as a crucial step toward controlling Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, key remaining Ukrainian strongholds in the Donetsk region.
Military Developments
Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy, first deputy chief of the General Staff of the Russian armed forces, stated that Ukrainian forces were pushed back several kilometers, with ongoing fighting near Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka. “The city is under our full control,” he claimed as Russian units continued clearing city blocks.
Zelenskyy countered by denying Russian control over the city. “It is just another Russian lie, an attempt to create a news story,” he posted on social media, suggesting that if Russia genuinely held the area, Putin could meet him there to discuss ending the conflict.
Political Messaging and Public Perception
Zelenskyy’s post appeared to address U.S. President Donald Trump as well. “Now, on the eve of America’s Independence Day, Putin lies to the world and the U.S. President about the front’s situation,” he added.
Putin seems to believe that the fuel crisis won’t undermine his authority or the public’s support for the war, initiated over four years ago. Nonetheless, the attacks have brought the reality of conflict closer for many Russians, challenging Putin’s portrayal of the war as a distant event unrelated to daily life.
The border city of Belgorod also faced power outages due to Ukrainian drone attacks overnight. Meanwhile, eight individuals, including two children, suffered injuries from a Russian strike on residential buildings in the Zaporizhzhia region of southeastern Ukraine.
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