A section of railway in the Leningrad region, vital for Russian military logistics, was destroyed overnight, disrupting traffic between Pskov and St. Petersburg. The explosion, confirmed by Ukrainian intelligence sources, caused considerable damage to the tracks and ignited a fire on a freight train hauling military supplies, resulting in a complete halt of rail traffic. Russian emergency services responded while mobile internet was shut down, and Russian Railways acknowledged “technical disruptions” with rerouting and delays. The incident is expected to impede the transport of military equipment and negatively impact resupply efforts for Russian forces, echoing a similar event earlier in October that also targeted the Pskov–St. Petersburg route.
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In a display of defiance, hundreds of Russians gathered in St. Petersburg on Tuesday to sing a song critical of President Putin and the war in Ukraine. The song, “Cooperative Swan Lake,” originally written by exiled pro-Ukrainian rapper Noize MC (Ivan Alexeyev), had been outlawed in May 2025 after a St. Petersburg court deemed it “extremist.” Viral social media videos captured the crowd and street musicians performing the song, which calls for Putin’s removal.
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In St. Petersburg, a public demonstration against Putin’s regime occurred on October 13, with a crowd singing banned anti-war lyrics at Kazanskaya Square. The song, “Co-operative Swan Lake” by pro-Ukrainian rapper Noize MC, became an anti-war anthem, reflecting discontent among Russian youth. The performance led to the arrest of an 18-year-old singer, Diana Loginova, while Ukrainian forces escalated their drone campaign, targeting Russian oil infrastructure and driving up gasoline prices. Ukraine is now seeking long-range missiles, like the Tomahawk, from the United States, prompting varied responses from Washington and increasing tensions with Russia.
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On September 12, Russia experienced a large-scale overnight drone attack targeting multiple regions, including Moscow and Leningrad Oblast. Russian officials reported intercepting 221 Ukrainian drones, though these reports were unverified at the time of publication. The attacks resulted in fires at a vessel in Primorsk Port and a Lukoil facility in Smolensk, while the St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport was temporarily shut down. Drone debris fell in various locations, causing flight disruptions and prompting emergency responses in Moscow.
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Two pastors were arrested in St. Petersburg for attempting to block FDOT crews from removing the “Black History Matters” mural. Despite repeated warnings, Andrew Oliver and Benedict Atherton-Zeman sat on the mural in protest of FDOT’s order to remove street art across the state, leading to their arrest on charges of obstructing traffic and obstruction. This action comes after the city of St. Petersburg’s request to preserve several murals, including the “Black History Matters” piece, was denied by FDOT, which cited safety concerns related to state traffic control guidelines and the recently signed Senate Bill 1662. Local officials and community members are strategizing their response to the mural removals, while the governor and FDOT continue to uphold the statewide order.
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On August 23rd, drones targeted Russia’s Leningrad Oblast, St. Petersburg, and Moscow. Authorities, including the Governors of Leningrad Oblast and St. Petersburg, reported multiple drone downings across various districts and the capital. Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg temporarily suspended operations, leading to flight delays, and a possible mobile internet slowdown was warned. Moscow’s mayor confirmed a drone was shot down near the capital, with emergency services responding to the scene.
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On July 17, Russian media and officials reported widespread Ukrainian drone attacks across multiple regions, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. Russian officials claimed to have shot down numerous drones, with some reports indicating temporary airport closures and injuries. Attacks were also reported in regions closer to the front lines, such as Belgorod and Voronezh, with casualties and damage reported. These reported attacks follow a series of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, including a double-tap attack in Nikopol and an aerial bomb dropped on a shopping center in Donetsk Oblast.
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Renowned Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov, 39, died after a fall from his St. Petersburg apartment building. Initial reports suggested an accidental fall while attempting to escape his apartment, but this account has been disputed. His death is currently under investigation, though preliminary findings indicate an accident. Shklyarov was a prominent critic of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, adding a layer of complexity to the circumstances surrounding his passing.
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Ukraine Confirms St Petersburg Attack, Claims Drone Flew Over Putin’s Valdai Residence
In a recent development, Ukraine has confirmed that it launched a drone attack on a valuable military target in St. Petersburg, Russia. The attack specifically targeted an oil depot, which is a strategic move in cutting off Russia from the insurance market and dealing a blow to its war efforts. With the average value of a refinery being around $5 billion, this attack has the potential to cause significant damage to Russia’s economy and military capabilities.
One comment brings up an interesting historical reference, highlighting the economic vulnerability that can arise from running too many different vehicles and vehicles running out of fuel.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker