Ukraine launches massive drone attack on Russian oil terminal; Trump slams Zelensky over defiance

Ukraine carried out one of its most substantial drone assaults this year, targeting a Russian oil terminal in St. Petersburg on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The widespread attack, which also hit other infrastructure, reportedly ignited fires at the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal and other facilities, leading to at least one fatality and five injuries. Russia's defense ministry claimed to have intercepted over a thousand Ukrainian drones across various regions.

Following the drone strikes, former US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump accused Zelensky of defying US counsel to cease attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, having previously announced an "energy ceasefire" and issued a waiver on certain economic penalties against Russia.

Zelensky, however, countered Trump's claims, stating that Russia had continued its own attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities despite any purported ceasefire. He also warned that any alignment of the US with Russia would constitute a "historic mistake." This exchange underscores growing friction between Kyiv and Washington regarding the ongoing conflict.