Ukrainian Drones Strike St Petersburg Oil Terminal and Naval Facilities Ahead of Major Economic Forum

ST PETERSBURG: Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal and a naval base in St Petersburg hours before the start of a high-profile economic forum attended by Russian leadership, in an attack that appeared aimed at undermining the visibility and security narrative of the Kremlin.

The strike targeted multiple sites in Russia’s second-largest city and President Vladimir Putin’s hometown, coinciding with preparations for an annual investment forum often described as Moscow’s alternative to Davos.

Local authorities confirmed that unspecified infrastructure objects were hit across three districts of the city, which has a population of more than five million. Governor Alexander Beglov said several facilities were damaged and clean-up operations were underway. He added that several people were injured, though no fatalities were reported.

In a separate statement, Governor Alexander Drozdenko of the surrounding Leningrad region said air defences intercepted 59 Ukrainian drones overnight.

“Several facilities have been damaged. Clean-up operations are currently underway. Several people have been injured. There have been no fatalities,” Beglov said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukrainian drones had struck a fuel terminal and also targeted a military facility in Kronstadt, an island near the city that hosts elements of Russia’s naval infrastructure, including units associated with the Baltic Fleet and major shipbuilding and repair facilities.

Ukraine’s General Staff stated that preliminary information indicated ships and infrastructure in Kronstadt had been hit, although these claims could not be independently verified. The international news agency Reuters also reported it was unable to confirm the extent of the damage.

Unverified footage circulating on social media showed drones flying over parts of the city, with fires reportedly visible at an export fuel terminal. Residents also reported hearing anti-aircraft fire as drones moved through the area.

The attack comes as both Ukraine and Russia intensify cross-border strikes in a war now in its fourth year, with no clear path toward a negotiated settlement. Analysts suggest the timing of the strike—just before a flagship economic event in St Petersburg—was likely intended to highlight vulnerabilities in Russian air defences and disrupt the Kremlin’s messaging around stability and investment.

Despite the incident, Russian authorities said there was no indication that any drones reached the heavily secured forum venue itself.