Ukraine launched a drone strike on an oil export terminal in St Petersburg just hours before President Vladimir Putin opened Russia’s annual economic forum, in a move that appeared designed
to highlight the vulnerability of key Russian cities and overshadow one of the Kremlin’s most important showcase events.
The attack targeted Putin’s hometown and the venue of Russia’s premier investment gathering, often described as Moscow’s answer to Davos. The forum is intended to attract foreign business interest and project an image of economic resilience despite ongoing international sanctions and the war in Ukraine.
A large plume of smoke rose above the city after the strike hit the oil terminal. Reuters journalists in St Petersburg reported hearing several loud explosions on Wednesday morning.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy later confirmed that Ukrainian drones had struck the fuel facility. He said another target was a military installation located near Russia’s second-largest city.
St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov said several infrastructure sites in three districts had been damaged, though he did not provide further details. In the surrounding Leningrad region, Governor Alexander Drozdenko said Russian air defence systems intercepted 59 drones overnight.
The attack also disrupted air travel. Russia’s aviation authority temporarily imposed restrictions at Pulkovo Airport, while local media reported that more than 30 flights were delayed or cancelled.
The strike comes as both Russia and Ukraine intensify long-range attacks against each other, underscoring the continuing escalation of a war that has entered its fifth year with no immediate resolution in sight. Photo by Stan Shebs, Wikimedia commons.
