Overnight strikes target Russian oil facilities, data centre in St Petersburg

Explosions rocked St Petersburg during overnight hours, striking multiple sites including oil facilities and critical infrastructure linked to Russia's digital economy. Emergency services confirmed at least one fatality from the attacks, which sparked fires and damage assessments across the affected areas.

Among the targets was a data centre serving as a key hub for VKontakte, Russia's dominant social media network. The facility plays a significant role in the country's internet infrastructure. The extent of disruption to services remained under assessment as of reporting time.

The strikes represent a continuation of aerial attacks on Russian energy and technology infrastructure in recent months. St Petersburg, home to major petrochemical and refining operations, has been repeatedly targeted, causing periodic disruptions to fuel supplies and industrial output.

Russian authorities did not immediately issue statements regarding the incident or the source of the strikes. Emergency response teams deployed to affected locations to contain fires and conduct rescue operations. The full scope of damage to both energy production capacity and digital infrastructure was still being determined.