Saint Petersburg, the birthplace of Vladimir Putin and one of Russia’s most important cities, found itself at the center of a spectacular Ukrainian operation just hours before the start of the city’s International Economic Forum, known as the “Russian Davos.” The timing of the strike caused particular sensation, as Moscow was preparing to welcome thousands of delegates, businesspeople, state officials, and international missions from more than 130 countries. Instead of images of economic strength and stability, however, the city faced explosions, thick smoke, transportation problems, and damage to critical facilities. For Kiev, the operation represented yet another message that the war can be carried deep into Russian territory. For the Kremlin, the attack came at one of the year’s most communicatively sensitive moments.
Saint Petersburg: The target that shocked Moscow
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement, Ukrainian forces struck an oil terminal station in Saint Petersburg, approximately 1,100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This distance is considered particularly significant, as it demonstrates the Ukrainian forces’ capability to strike targets far from the front lines.
Following the strike, videos and photos circulating on social media showed thick clouds of black smoke rising above the city. These images quickly went viral worldwide and stood in complete contrast to the image the Russian leadership sought to project ahead of the economic forum.
Our long-range sanctions carried out by the warriors of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Special Operations Forces, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine have yielded good results. Important facilities… pic.twitter.com/esxYMexU8d
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 3, 2026
Saint Petersburg: Kronstadt and military targets
Zelensky also claimed that military targets were hit in the Kronstadt area, the historic naval base located near Saint Petersburg that holds particular significance for the Russian Navy.
According to international reports, Ukrainian footage allegedly shows a strike on a Russian warship in a maintenance dock, though there is no independent confirmation of the extent of the damage. Nevertheless, the message Kiev wanted to send is considered clear: no point in Russia is now considered untouchable.
Strike on weapons production facility
Ukrainian authorities also announced that a facility in the Tambov region connected to weapons systems production was targeted. This is an area located quite far from the front, which reinforces Kiev’s strategy of striking not only military units but also the infrastructure supporting Russia’s war industry.
Ukrainian leadership presents these operations as part of a broader “long-range strike” strategy, aimed at reducing Moscow’s ability to finance and supply the war.
Absolutely embarrassing morning for Russian President Vladimir Putin. As Ukrainian one-way attack drones fly nearly unimpeded over St. Petersburg – over 500 miles from Ukraine – several slamming into a major oil terminal in the city, starting massive fires and creating pillars of… pic.twitter.com/wenz5gIu6f
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 3, 2026
Disruption at airport and Putin’s forum
The attack had immediate consequences on transportation. Pulkovo Airport, Saint Petersburg’s largest, temporarily suspended operations, causing flight delays and cancellations. This image caused even greater embarrassment for the Kremlin, as it coincided with the arrival of the first delegates and delegations for the economic forum.
Russian authorities announced that air defenses shot down dozens of Ukrainian drones, while the governor of Saint Petersburg reported injuries and infrastructure damage, with no reports of fatalities.
The symbolic blow to Putin’s prestige
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the attack was not the material damage but its symbolism. The Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) has been for years the main showcase through which Russia attempts to present its international economic and political influence. This year, approximately 20,000 participants from more than 130 countries are expected, while Vladimir Putin is scheduled to deliver his keynote speech in the coming days.
However, images of smoke rising above the city on the forum’s opening day created a completely different backdrop. For Kiev, they proved it can strike areas of high symbolism. For Moscow, they served as a reminder that war can now reach even the most protected points in the country.
A major fire has broken out at the St. Petersburg oil terminal following a Ukrainian drone strike.
The facility is the largest oil transshipment complex in northwestern Russia.
This comes as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is taking place in the city,… pic.twitter.com/C8FaYDNO7E
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 3, 2026
