Ukrainian drones hit oil terminal in Russia ahead of economic forum

Kyiv: Ukrainian long-range drones struck an oil terminal in St Petersburg on Wednes­day, setting it ablaze as the city hosts an annual international economic forum. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the strike on social media, noting the drones travelled over 1,000 km. St Petersburg is the birthplace of President Vladimir Putin, who is scheduled to speak at the forum on Friday.

Russian forces launched a massive drone and missile barrage on Kyiv and other cities, killing at least 22 civilians and wounding 138. 

Zelenskyy expressed frustration about delays in procuring American-made Patriot air defence systems, blaming internal bureaucratic hurdles. He threatened “serious personnel decisions” if the purchase is not unblocked. 

Nato chief Mark Rutte arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday for discussions covering Ukraine’s urgent air defence requirements.

Separately, Ukraine targeted the Kronstadt naval base and a weapons plant in the Tambov region. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed to have downed 354 Ukrainian drones overnight. Conversely, Ukrainian air force reported neutralising 189 of 198 incoming Russian drones. Authori­ties in Sumy and Kherson re­p­orted civilian casualties.

—AP