In today's early hours, drones targeted St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region, with fires reported at several locations, including the strategically important St. Petersburg Oil Terminal. The terminal is a major hub for Russian petroleum exports through the Baltic Sea, generating revenue that helps finance Russia’s war against Ukraine. Russian authorities reported widespread drone activity, disruptions at Pulkovo Airport, and electricity outages. There are also reports of an attack on a VK data center, a potentially significant target for Russia’s digital infrastructure. The full extent of the damage remains under assessment. Russia’s war economy increasingly faces the consequences of its aggression against Ukraine.

— SPRAVDI — Stratcom Centre (@StratcomCentre) October 18, 2026