Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Attack on Russian Regions, Striking Oil Terminal and Data Center
Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks this year on Russian regions overnight on Saturday, reportedly hitting an oil terminal, a data center operated by social media company VKontakte, and a major bridge, according to Russian media and Ukrainian monitoring channels. The assault, which involved dozens of drones, marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s campaign to target Russian infrastructure, despite US President Donald Trump’s demand that it stop hitting Russian energy facilities. The attack comes amid a US-backed energy ceasefire initiative announced by Trump, intended to halt Russian and Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure.nnThe oil terminal, located at the city’s port, is one of Russia’s major fuel storage and export facilities, handling petroleum products transported by river, rail, and road. Its targeting underscores Ukraine’s strategic focus on disrupting Russian fuel supplies and export capabilities. The data center operated by VKontakte, a major Russian social media platform, was also hit, highlighting Ukraine’s growing capability to strike digital infrastructure. Additionally, a major bridge was reportedly damaged, though the full extent of the impact on Russia’s oil exports, power infrastructure, and digital networks remained unclear.nnUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused the Russian military of mainly targeting energy facilities in Ukraine, stating, “the Russians are trying to cause a blackout.” He noted that “tens of thousands of families remain without power,” underscoring the humanitarian impact of the ongoing strikes. The latest attack defies the US-backed energy ceasefire initiative, raising questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the Trump administration’s actions on CNN Sunday, telling anchor Dana Bash that the “main sanctions on Russia are all still on,” signaling continued US pressure on Moscow.nnThe drone attack also comes as Turkey has sold Bayraktar TB2 armed drones to Ukraine in recent months, with the Turkish manufacturer donating to crowd-funding operations in support of Ukraine. This reflects the international dimension of the conflict and Ukraine’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities through foreign partnerships. The attack on Sevastopol, a major city in Crimea, on April 29, destroyed several oil tanks, further demonstrating Ukraine’s willingness to strike deep into Russian-controlled territory. As the conflict continues, the full impact of the latest attack on Russia’s oil exports, power infrastructure,
Shimanta Das 
