Zelensky Responds as Ukraine Strikes Deep Into Russia and Trump Pursues Energy Deals

October 18, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Ukraine launched massive drone strikes deep into Russian territory overnight, hitting St. Petersburg's oil port, a major data center, and a bridge, while the Trump administration simultaneously pursues expanded business deals with Moscow — including diesel imports, gas and uranium agreements, and a waiver of congressionally mandated sanctions. The episode tracks these parallel developments with a clear through-line: the Trump regime is prioritizing economic engagement with Russia even as Ukraine fights for survival and European allies brace for potential all-out war.

Ukraine's Deep Strikes Inside Russia

The most significant military development of the past 24 hours was Ukraine's coordinated drone assault on St. Petersburg, a city roughly 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Ukrainian drones struck an oil port, setting it ablaze — one of Russia's largest fuel storage and export facilities. They also hit the VK data center, the original high-capacity hub for Russia's social media giant, following last week's strikes against the Yandex data center. The result has been a 56 to 60 percent decrease in normal connectivity nationwide, according to the episode.

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What you'll learn

1 Zelensky Responds as Ukraine Strikes Deep Into Russia and Trump Pursues Energy Deals
2 The MeidasTouch Podcast
3 (02:15) **Overview: Ukraine Strikes St. Petersburg as Trump Pursues Russian Energy Deals** - Host sets the scene: Ukraine launched massive drone strikes on St. Petersburg oil ports, a VK data center, a bridge, and refineries 2,400 kilometers from the front, while the Trump regime expands business transactions with Russia
4 (05:00) **Footage of Ukraine's Strikes on St. Petersburg Oil Port** - Video evidence shows Ukraine hitting one of Russia's largest fuel storage and export facilities, setting it ablaze with massive fires
5 (06:04) **VK Data Center Strike Disrupts Russian Connectivity** - Ukraine struck a data center belonging to Russian social media giant VK, following last week's strike on the Yandex data center
6 (07:19) **Drone Attack on St. Petersburg Bridge** - Footage shows Ukrainian drones striking a bridge in St. Petersburg, mirroring Russia's recent attacks on Kyiv's northern bridges
7 (08:37) **Star Shield and Starlink Throttling Explained** - Host details how Elon Musk and Donald Trump have throttled Ukraine's access to both Starlink and Star Shield systems

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Ukraine's strikes deep inside Russia, including targets in St. Petersburg, Rostov, and beyond, as President Zelensky delivers a message through Ukraine's military response. Meiselas breaks down footage of the strikes on oil infrastructure, a data center, and a bridge, while examining Donald Trump's push for deals with Russia involving diesel, gas, uranium, and fertilizer. Meiselas also analyzes statements from Trump and Marco Rubio as Ukraine fights for its survival.

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