Story perspectives

72 Drones Downed, Ukraine Strikes St Peterburg; Russia Claims Kostiantynivka

7/5/2026

Center

Ukrainian Drones Attack

Ukrainian drones attacked St Peterburg’s oil terminal and the Kronstadt naval base, with regional officials saying 72 drones were shot down.
Russia announced it had taken Kostiantynivka in Donetsk, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces still control the city.
General Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that Russian troops now control Kostiantynivka.
Analysts warned that heavy damage and 11,000 Russian reinforcements could expose strongholds Kramatorsk and Druzhkivka.

Left

Ukrainian Drones Strike

Russian attacks on Sumy killed 30 civilians and trapped many in rubble, underscoring civilian suffering.
Ukraine launched a large-scale drone raid that hit an oil terminal and a port near St Peterburg, disrupting Russian fuel exports.
General Valery Gerasimov told President Vladimir Putin Kostiantynivka is under Russian control, contradicting Ukraine’s claim.
A drone strike ignited fire at a Poltava gas plant, threatening Ukraine’s heating season.

History

Historical Context

The 2014 annexation of Crimea followed the February 2014 ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych, when Russian forces seized airports and the Crimean parliament, and a March 16 referendum reported 95% support with 83% turnout. Putin’s decision to incorporate Crimea set a precedent that Russia now repeats with assaults on Kostiantynivka and drone strikes on St Petersburg’s oil terminal.

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Ukrainian Drones Attack

Ukrainian drones attacked St Peterburg’s oil terminal and the Kronstadt naval base, with regional officials saying 72 drones were shot down.
Russia announced it had taken Kostiantynivka in Donetsk, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces still control the city.
General Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that Russian troops now control Kostiantynivka.
Analysts warned that heavy damage and 11,000 Russian reinforcements could expose strongholds Kramatorsk and Druzhkivka.

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