Ukrainian Drones with 1,200km+ range Strike Russian St. Petersburg Port

Ukrainian-made drones, boasting a range of 1250 kilometers, targeted the vital port infrastructure of St. Petersburg.

The Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kamyshin, officially claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement released earlier today. The incident unfolded during the early hours of January 18, approximately at 1:30 a.m., when Russian air defense intercepted an aircraft-type drone in the Leningrad oblast. Reports indicate that three drones were involved in the operation, with the wreckage of one discovered within the premises of JSC "Petersburg Oil Terminal." Fortunately, the port infrastructure remained unscathed despite the intrusion.

The unidentified fixed-wing drone, with a wingspan of 6 meters and a piston engine, carried a 3 kg warhead. Two additional drones reportedly headed towards the Gulf of Finland, approximately 5 kilometers from the terminal. The path taken by the drones covered the Bryansk, Smolensk, Tver, and Novgorod regions en route to St. Petersburg.

Ukrainska Pravda, citing sources within the Ukrainian special services, disclosed that the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) orchestrated the attack on the Russian infrastructure facility. The source highlighted the use of modern Ukrainian systems and confirmed hits on the intended targets. This development places military facilities in Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad oblast within the operational range of Ukrainian forces.

Responding to inquiries about whether this was the first time Ukrainian drones targeted the Leningrad region, Ukrainska Pravda's source acknowledged previous instances but noted differences in the nature of the attacks. The source suggested an evolving strategy on the part of Ukrainian forces, indicating adaptations and refinements in tactics for each assault.

The targeted facility, JSC "Petersburg Oil Terminal," stands as the largest Russian terminal for the transshipment of petroleum products in the Baltic region. Russian-appointed official in south-eastern Ukraine Alexander Beglov was quoted as saying by media reports that the Russian oil terminal in St. Petersburg caught fire after a Ukrainian drone, carrying 3kg of high explosives, targeted it. The attack caused a 130 square meter burning area upon impact. Russian Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed no casualties, and an investigation is underway. Debris fell between fuel tankers, as reported on Telegram. Vladimir Rogov, a Russian official, earlier reported unsuccessful attempts by Kyiv to target a Russian Baltic Sea oil terminal with a drone, noting no damage or casualties.