Ukrainian forces launched a massive drone assault on Russia overnight Sunday, deploying over 1,000 drones that set oil depots in St. Petersburg on fire. This attack is considered one of the largest aerial strikes of the ongoing conflict.
Fires broke out at the Petersburg Oil Terminal and Ruchi oil depot, resulting in one fatality and five injuries, as reported by St. Petersburg’s Governor Alexander Beglov. In addition, twelve apartment buildings and two houses sustained damage, according to local news sources.
The drones also struck a VK data center, an Ozon warehouse, and a city bridge. Strikes on two power substations in Yanino left approximately 20,000 residents without electricity, as detailed by ABC News. A Ukrainian drone manufacturer indicated that its FP-1 model was involved in the attack on the terminal.
In response, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 1,015 drones across various regions, including Crimea and the Black Sea, according to reports.
This assault occurred shortly after President Trump announced an “energy ceasefire” on October 11, as well as a waiver for sanctions that would have impacted Russia’s oil and gas industry. Previously, he criticized Ukraine for its attacks on Russian refineries, emphasizing the need for Kyiv to cease such actions.
President Zelensky countered by stating that Russia failed to respect any ceasefire, citing that Moscow had attacked Ukrainian energy sites 76 times in the preceding week. He expressed that the U.S. should recognize that Russia was not responding to sanctions relief or truce efforts. “It is essential for Russia to bear the pressure for peace to be viable,” he asserted.
Since the announcement of the energy ceasefire a week ago, Russia has purposefully targeted Ukraine’s energy sector multiple times. Just last night, there were strikes on several regions, leaving tens of thousands without power. Repair crews are working around the clock. Tragically, two fatalities have been reported along with numerous injuries, including children. This week alone, Russian forces have launched thousands of drones, aerial bombs, and missiles, primarily aimed at energy facilities to induce blackouts. The ongoing conflict continues not because Ukraine is wrong but due to Russia’s persistent aggression. It’s critical that they be pressured for peace. Thank you to those who understand and assist.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 18, 2026
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated in a news briefing that while Ukraine is “resisting,” it is not capable of altering the ongoing situation. Further Russian aerial attacks in Zaporizhzhia reportedly resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to at least two others, including a young girl.
Regarding future sanctions, Trump remained noncommittal, suggesting they would be evaluated in due course. He described his recent decisions as beneficial for the country and possibly the world.
