Image: from MoloMonitor X @MoloWarMonitor
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Ukraine launched one of its most significant long-range drone attacks deep inside Russian territory overnight, targeting key infrastructure in St. Petersburg just as Russia’s flagship economic gathering, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, was preparing to open.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the operation struck several strategic targets, including the Petersburg Oil Terminal, one of the largest fuel export facilities in northwestern Russia. The facility lies nearly 700 miles from Ukrainian-controlled territory, highlighting Kyiv’s growing ability to project force deep into Russia.
According to Zelenskyy, the strikes formed part of what Ukrainian officials have increasingly described as “long-range sanctions,” a campaign designed to target critical Russian infrastructure supporting the war effort.
“Important facilities on Russian territory were hit last night,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media, describing the operation as successful.
Thick gray smoke was seen rising over St. Petersburg, Russia, as the sound of explosions could be heard following a reported Ukrainian drone strike https://t.co/mbIqK1RyDJ pic.twitter.com/FzMeDTWNBj
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 3, 2026
Smoke Over Russia’s Second Capital
Videos circulating online showed thick black smoke rising above parts of St. Petersburg as delegates arrived for the opening of the annual economic forum.
St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed that several districts of the city came under attack, including Kronstadt, Kirovsky and Krasnoselsky.
He reported damage to multiple infrastructure sites and said emergency crews were working to contain the consequences. Several people were injured, though authorities reported no fatalities.
An operational headquarters was established following the attacks, and emergency services were placed on heightened alert.
Economic Forum Opens Under Shadow of War
The timing of the strike is particularly significant. The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is one of Russia’s most important annual political and business events, often compared to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the gathering attracted major international investors, business executives, and world leaders. Since then, Western participation has sharply declined due to sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to deliver the forum’s keynote address later this week, using the event as a platform to present Russia’s economic outlook and international partnerships.
Among the notable attendees expected this year are several foreign political figures and commentators, reflecting Moscow’s efforts to maintain international engagement despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Air Traffic Disrupted
The overnight attacks also affected Russian aviation operations.
Russia’s federal aviation agency, Rosaviatsiya, announced temporary flight restrictions at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg. Similar restrictions were imposed at airports in Saratov, Yaroslavl, Nizhny Novgorod, and Pskov as air defense systems responded to the threat.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that air defense forces intercepted at least 354 Ukrainian drones overnight, one of the largest reported drone barrages since the war began.
Moscow Also Targeted
Russia’s capital was also affected by the latest wave of attacks.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that air defense units intercepted at least 22 drones approaching the city during the night and early morning hours.
The strikes are part of an escalating pattern of long-range attacks by both sides as the war enters its fifth year. Ukraine has increasingly targeted military, energy, and logistical infrastructure inside Russia, while Moscow continues large-scale missile and drone campaigns against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
The attack on St. Petersburg underscores how the conflict is increasingly reaching far beyond the front lines, affecting major political and economic centers.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.