Ukraine defies Trump and launches one of its biggest drone attacks on Russia this year
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Ukraine launched a massive drone strike on Russian oil infrastructure, defying US pressure amid growing tensions over energy ceasefires.

Smoke rises above the city following an air attack on the oil terminal in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on October 18, 2026

Ukraine launched one of its biggest drone attacks this year on Russia overnight on Saturday, hitting a key oil terminal in defiance of US President Donald Trump’s demand it stop hitting Russian energy infrastructure.

There have been growing tensions between Ukraine and the US in recent days, prompting fears in Kyiv it could lose essential support as it approaches another winter under relentless Russian attack.