On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, black smoke billowed over St. Petersburg’s port following a Ukrainian drone attack. The drones targeted an oil terminal, setting it ablaze, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. These drones traveled over 1,000 kilometers to reach their target.
Officials in Russia reported the drones hit infrastructure in the city but did not share specifics. The attack resulted in a brief suspension of flights at St. Petersburg’s airport, and mobile internet services were disrupted.
This incident occurred as the city hosted an international economic forum, which Russian President Vladimir Putin promoted. Despite the forum’s significance for Russia, many Western investors and officials chose not to attend. Saudi Arabia, however, participated with a large business delegation.
The attack posed a challenge to Putin, particularly after concerns about Ukrainian drone attacks had already led to changes in Moscow’s annual Victory Day parade. This strike came just a day after a massive Russian drone and missile assault on Kyiv, which killed 22 civilians and injured 138 people.
The ongoing conflict, sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has persisted for over four years. The front line has seen minimal changes as drones from both sides complicate battlefield operations. The strikes aim to reduce Russia’s oil output and disrupt its weapons manufacturing.
Ukraine has consistently targeted oil facilities in St. Petersburg and its vicinity. Recent drone attacks also struck the Kronstadt naval base and a weapon production plant in the Tambov region of Russia.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed air defenses shot down 354 Ukrainian drones overnight. In Ukraine’s Donetsk region, a Ukrainian strike on a bus killed seven and injured 11. The Smolensk region experienced a separate attack, resulting in the deaths of two firefighters, with more injuries reported.
Russia launched 198 long-range drones at Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine’s air force, which downed 189 of them. The northern Sumy region saw one civilian death and 15 injuries from Russian strikes, impacting both adults and children. In southern Kherson, shelling and drone attacks claimed the life of an 86-year-old woman and injured five others.
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