Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Terminal and Data Centre as Drone Attack Kills One Amid Trump Sanctions U-Turn

A Ukrainian drone attack has sparked fires at an oil terminal and a data centre in Russia’s St Petersburg region, with Russian authorities reporting one death and five injuries.

Governor Alexander Beglov said on Sunday that the strikes also triggered fires at industrial warehouses across the city. Images circulating after the attack showed thick orange and black smoke rising above St Petersburg.

The Saint Petersburg Oil Terminal was among the facilities affected, according to Beglov. The site had previously been targeted by Ukraine in June.

Russian e-commerce company Ozon also reported a fire at its logistics hub in St Petersburg, while internet company VK said its data centre in the Leningrad region had been attacked.

VK later confirmed that its services had returned to normal following the incident.

Russia Reports More Than 1,000 Drones Intercepted

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems had intercepted or destroyed 1,015 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions overnight.

Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad region, said the authorities were continuing efforts to repel what he described as a large-scale unmanned aerial vehicle attack.

He added that falling debris had damaged homes, vehicles and power lines, causing temporary electricity outages. He did not report any injuries in those incidents.

The attack also affected air travel, with Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reporting disruptions to departures at Pulkovo Airport, St Petersburg’s main airport.

Beglov said airport operations were being restricted for safety reasons.

Attack Adds to Tensions Between Trump and Zelensky

The latest strikes come amid growing disagreements between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the conduct of the war and Washington’s support for Kyiv.

Trump has criticised Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries, describing the strikes as a disgrace and arguing that they contribute to rising global energy prices.

The US president also accused Zelensky of being difficult to negotiate with, comparing his approach unfavourably with that of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In comments to broadcaster Newsmax, Trump blamed Zelensky for the destruction caused by the conflict, saying the Ukrainian leader had destroyed his country.

Zelensky, meanwhile, has defended Ukraine’s military operations against Russian energy infrastructure.

Trump Moves to Delay Proposed Russia Sanctions

Trump’s administration has taken steps to suspend or delay proposed US sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia’s energy revenues.

The proposed legislation included tariffs of up to 500 per cent on countries purchasing Russian energy resources, a measure that could have affected international oil markets and the supply of Russian fuel.

The restrictions were also intended to target Russian officials, financial institutions and a fleet of tankers used to transport Russian oil.

On Monday, Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy for the Russian president, welcomed the reported suspension of the measures, describing the decision as a historic moment.

Dmitriev argued that implementing the sanctions would have caused serious damage to the US economy and global markets.

Trump has said he wants to reduce fuel prices in the United States ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Dispute Over Starlink and Intelligence Sharing

The latest escalation follows reported restrictions affecting Starlink satellite internet services used by Ukrainian forces, alongside threats to suspend intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

Zelensky criticised the developments, warning that reducing access to US intelligence and weakening satellite communications simultaneously could endanger civilians.

In an interview with the Financial Times, the Ukrainian president said the restrictions were dangerous, while also indicating that Ukraine would continue attacking Russian oil refineries.

Trump responded by criticising Kyiv’s renewed strikes, arguing that they could push global energy prices higher.

The disagreements have added uncertainty to relations between the two leaders as diplomatic efforts surrounding the war continue.

Moscow Airports Face Further Disruption From Ukrainian Drones

The attack on St Petersburg followed a separate series of Ukrainian drone strikes that disrupted air travel around Moscow.

Russian authorities said dozens of drones had been intercepted while approaching the capital, causing extensive delays and cancellations at several airports.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 75 drones heading towards the city had been destroyed and that emergency services were working at the locations where debris had fallen.

Reports indicated that Sheremetyevo Airport experienced more than 100 flight disruptions on Saturday, while Vnukovo Airport recorded approximately 150 delays or cancellations.

Passengers were reportedly left waiting for hours, with some forced to sleep on airport floors as services were disrupted.

The latest incidents followed repeated airport closures during the month as Russian authorities responded to Ukrainian drone activity.

Ukraine Maintains Pressure on Russian Energy Infrastructure

Ukraine’s continued attacks on Russian oil facilities have become another point of disagreement between Kyiv and Washington.

Zelensky has maintained that Ukraine will continue targeting facilities supporting Russia’s war effort, while Trump has publicly criticised the operations.

The latest strike on the Saint Petersburg Oil Terminal, alongside the reported damage to industrial facilities and disruption to airport operations, adds to the series of drone attacks carried out inside Russia.

Russian authorities said efforts to intercept further drones were continuing following the overnight assault.