Ukrainian drones attacked energy and military infrastructure in Saint Petersburg, causing a fire at the largest fuel depot in Russia's northwest region and at a naval base, coinciding with the opening of the global economic forum SPIEF, which President Vladimir Putin was scheduled to attend.
Russian and Ukrainian officials reported that a swarm of Ukrainian military drones heavily targeted military and energy sites in Saint Petersburg, northern Russia, in the early morning hours of Wednesday (3 Jun 2024) local time, marking the first day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Reports indicate that explosions triggered a massive fire at the "Saint Petersburg Oil Terminal," the largest oil management center in Russia's northwest. Additionally, some drones targeted the Kronstadt naval base located in the same city.
The attack occurred as 20,000 guests from 130 countries gathered for the three-day economic forum, historically a key platform for Russia to attract Western investors. Serhiy Sternenko, an advisor to Ukraine's defense minister, posted video footage showing attendees entering the venue with large plumes of black smoke rising in the background, commenting that "The St. Petersburg forum opened beautifully with black smoke from the Ukrainian attack."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged and confirmed the success of the operation, sharing video footage on social media showing the oil depot engulfed in heavy flames. He stated, "Ukraine's long-range sanction plan is being implemented correctly and as needed to bring peace closer."
Senior Ukrainian officials added that the operation aimed to disrupt and undermine the credibility of the economic forum, which President Vladimir Putin was scheduled to attend and deliver a major speech at on Friday.
Alexander Beglov, governor of Saint Petersburg, admitted that multiple infrastructures were damaged but confirmed no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Alexander Drozdenko, governor of Leningrad region, said air defense systems intercepted up to 50 drones. Nevertheless, the attack forced Pulkovo Airport, the city's main airport, to close temporarily for several hours, causing more than 20 outbound flights to be delayed or canceled.
This Ukrainian retaliatory operation came just one day after Russian forces launched a major missile and drone barrage across Ukraine, resulting in 23 fatalities nationwide.
Beyond the Saint Petersburg attack, additional reports from Russian Twitter and Telegram channels stated that on the night of 2-3 June, the Progress factory in Michurinsk, Tambov region — which manufactures control equipment for Russian military aircraft and missiles — was also targeted by drones and set ablaze. This demonstrates Ukraine's growing long-range strike capability penetrating deep into Russian territory.