New attack on Russian oil terminal amid fuel crisis

Ukraine has targeted an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, Russia, amidst a deepening national fuel crisis. Images circulating online show massive plumes of black smoke following the alleged drone attack, which reportedly occurred early Saturday morning. Russian media reported hearing powerful explosions around 6:30 a.m.

According to Alexander Beglov, the governor of St. Petersburg, no injuries were reported from the St. Petersburg incident. However, Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad region, stated that the port in Vysotsk, located about 170 kilometers northwest of St. Petersburg, was also hit. This port handles trade in oil, grain, coal, and liquefied natural gas. Drozdenko claimed that over 70 drones were shot down over the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the attack via Telegram, asserting that Ukrainian forces also struck targets in Kronstadt, a significant naval base for ship maintenance. This claim has not been confirmed by Russian authorities. Zelenskyy stated, "Ukraine's defense forces hit oil infrastructure in a port near St. Petersburg – infrastructure that generates revenue for Russia's war effort. Targets in Kronstadt, an important military target, were also hit. The distance from Ukraine's state border is more than 850 kilometers."

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Ukraine's defense forces hit oil infrastructure in a port near St. Petersburg – infrastructure that generates revenue for Russia's war effort. Targets in Kronstadt, an important military target, were also hit. The distance from Ukraine's state border is more than 850 kilometers.

This attack follows a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, with at least 50 such attacks reported since late March, according to the Associated Press. Concurrently, reports of fuel shortages across Russia have become more frequent. In Novorossijsk, in southwestern Russia, gas stations reportedly ran out of fuel by Friday, with residents reporting shortages since June 10. The situation is reportedly worsened by drivers fleeing the occupied Crimean Peninsula.

Images depict kilometer-long queues of vehicles in Chita, in southeastern Siberia, with some drivers waiting up to 36 hours to reach gas stations. To manage the crisis, Russia has suspended fuel quality regulations and implemented rationing in at least 15 regions. The export of gasoline and jet fuel is banned until July 31, while imports from India and Belarus have reportedly increased. Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that the attacks on infrastructure present a significant challenge.

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