Ukraine hits major oil terminal in Russia's St Petersburg, Zelensky says

What happened

The BBC reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced overnight strikes on a major oil terminal and a key naval base near St Petersburg, northwest Russia. Zelensky described the oil terminal as vital infrastructure generating revenue that sustains Russia’s war effort. The Ukrainian military called the terminal one of Russia’s largest, capable of producing 12.5 million tonnes of petroleum products annually. A video verified by the BBC showed smoke rising after the strike, but the full extent of damage remains unclear.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. St Petersburg Governor Aleksandr Beglov confirmed a "massive" drone attack on the city and admitted the oil terminal was hit, while reporting no casualties. He said 72 Ukrainian drones were shot down over St Petersburg and the Leningrad region and urged residents to remain indoors amid ongoing drone threats. The governor also warned of potential disruptions to mobile internet services. The city is home to over five million people.

Kyiv has intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure recently, claiming nearly 43% of Russia’s oil refining capacity has been disabled, a figure yet to be independently verified. Ukrainian officials assert these strikes are legitimate targets as Russia relies heavily on fossil fuel exports to fund its military operations. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed a law to boost domestic fuel supplies following rare admissions of fuel shortages linked to Ukrainian attacks.

Known from the source

• Ukrainian President Zelensky says a major oil terminal near St Petersburg was struck overnight by Ukraine.
• St Petersburg Governor Aleksandr Beglov confirmed the city was under a massive drone attack and the oil terminal was hit, with no casualties reported.
• Ukraine’s military describes the St Petersburg oil terminal as one of the largest in Russia, producing 12.5 million tonnes of petroleum products annually.
• Ukraine claims a major Russian naval base in Kronstadt was also hit in the region.
• Russia’s defense ministry reports shooting down more than 500 Ukrainian drones and missiles during recent attacks.

What remains unclear

In a separate development, Ukraine’s military denied Russian claims that the strategically important town of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine is fully under Russian control. Military spokesman Maj Andriy Kovalyov acknowledged limited Russian infiltration but stated the town remains held by Ukrainian forces. Putin’s claim of control over Kostyantynivka was made without presenting evidence. Zelensky responded on Telegram by challenging Putin’s statement and stating that diplomatic talks would require Putin to cross the frontline, which he has not done.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Extent of damage to St Petersburg’s oil terminal and naval base from Ukrainian strikes. Verification of the claim that 43% of Russia's oil refining capacity has been disabled. Verification of territorial control status of Kostyantynivka.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: BBC Europe Ukraine. Open the source.