Ukraine Launches Over 1,000 Drones at St. Petersburg, Targeting Oil Terminals, Data Centers, and Infrastructure
On October 18, 2026, Ukrainian drones struck critical infrastructure in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, igniting fires at oil terminals, damaging data centers, and disrupting power and logistics. The attack left 20,000 people without electricity and caused widespread disruption.
Where Sources Diverge
The kyiv-post reported the attack occurred early Sunday morning, October 18, 2026, while other sources did not specify the exact time.
early Sunday morning, Oct. 18
October 18
October 18
October 18
October 18
The kyiv-post provided specific details about the number of people affected and the size of the logistics hub, while other sources did not.
20,000 people without power, 79,000-square-meter Ozon logistics hub
Ozon logistics hub and VK data center targeted
The dziennik-gazeta-prawna referred to the attack as hitting an oil terminal in Putin's hometown, while other sources did not specify the location of the terminal.
Putin's hometown in flames. Drones hit an oil terminal
Petersburg Oil Terminal and the Ruchyi fuel depot
The chicago-tribune and wion referred to the attack as part of a larger drone campaign, while other sources did not specify the scale of the operation.
more than 1,000 drones at Russia
more than 1,000 drones at Russia
Ukrainian attacks have set an oil export terminal ablaze
Ozon logistics hub and VK data center targeted
Timelines
Sources
St. Petersburg oil facilities ablaze as Ukraine launches more than 1,000 drones at Russia Chicago Tribune
A logistics centre belonging to Russian retailer Ozon and a data centre operated by Russian tech giant VK were also targeted, the companies confirmed
Ukrainian attacks have set an oil export terminal ablaze in St. Petersburg, Russia's second largest city.
WATCH | Flames engulf St Petersburg oil sites as Ukraine launches 1,000 drones at Russia WION
A Ukrainian drone attack early Sunday morning, Oct. 18, struck critical infrastructure across St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, igniting blazes at the Petersburg Oil Terminal and the Ruchyi fuel depot. Drones also damaged a VK enterprise data center and an electrical substation in Novosergievka, causing social network outages and leaving 20,000 people without power. Further impacts include a fire at a 79,000-square-meter Ozon logistics hub in Kolpino and damage to a cable-stayed bridge on the Western High-Speed Diameter.