Saint Petersburg hit by multiple fires

Saint Petersburg experienced multiple fires following reported Ukrainian drone strikes, with one of the most visible incidents occurring at an Ozon warehouse, Russia's second-largest online retail company. The company confirmed that its logistics center in the city was struck by a Ukrainian attack.

Smoke and damage across the city

Thick columns of smoke were seen rising from the city’s oil terminal, and reports suggested that a refinery and a fuel depot may also have been targeted. The extent of the damage and the full impact on infrastructure are still being assessed.

Anti-aircraft defenses activated

Saint Petersburg’s governor, Alexander Beglov, confirmed that anti-aircraft defenses were activated in response to a large-scale attack by Ukrainian drones. Neighboring Leningrad region’s governor, Alexander Drozdenko, reported that 144 drones were shot down, with some sources citing a slightly higher number of 145.

Casualties and disrupted operations

The attacks caused fires at Saint Petersburg’s oil terminal and the Ruchyi depot, as well as damage in several neighborhoods. One person was killed, five others were injured, and Pulkovo airport temporarily restricted operations for safety reasons.

Context of renewed strikes

This attack occurred as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the resumption of strikes against Russian refineries, which had been briefly suspended after U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned an alleged "energy ceasefire" on October 11. Neither Moscow nor Kyiv officially confirmed this ceasefire.

Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy

Zelensky accused Russia of conducting 76 attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities during the following week, including strikes on electrical substations in four regions. These attacks left tens of thousands of families without electricity, highlighting the ongoing impact of the conflict on civilian infrastructure.