A Ukrainian drone attack struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, Russia, on June 3, causing a fire and sending large plumes of black smoke over the city’s harbor area. The incident occurred as Russia prepared to host the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, one of the country’s most significant economic and investment events.

According to Ukrainian officials, long-range drones targeted the Petersburg Oil Terminal, a key energy facility involved in fuel handling and export operations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the drones traveled more than 1,000 kilometers to reach the target, highlighting Ukraine’s continuing efforts to strike strategic infrastructure deep inside Russian territory.

Russian authorities confirmed that infrastructure sites in and around St. Petersburg were affected during the attack. Regional officials reported that air defense systems intercepted dozens of drones overnight, although several managed to reach their intended targets. Local authorities said multiple individuals were injured, but no fatalities were immediately reported.

Videos and satellite imagery circulating online showed significant smoke rising from the oil terminal following the strike. Reports indicated that emergency services responded quickly to contain the fire and prevent further damage to nearby facilities. The affected terminal is considered one of the major fuel export hubs serving Russia’s Baltic maritime trade routes.

In addition to the oil terminal, Ukrainian sources claimed that military-related targets, including facilities at the Kronstadt naval base, were also struck during the operation. Ukraine described the attacks as part of its broader campaign aimed at disrupting Russian military and energy infrastructure that supports ongoing military operations.

The attack caused temporary disruptions at St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport, where some flights were delayed or suspended as authorities assessed security conditions. The incident also drew international attention due to its timing, coinciding with the opening of the economic forum attended by government officials, business leaders, and foreign delegates.

The strike marks one of the latest long-range drone operations in the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict, underscoring the growing role of unmanned systems in targeting strategic infrastructure far from the front lines. Investigations into the extent of the damage and operational impact on the terminal remain ongoing.