Ukraine launched a large-scale drone assault on Russian territory early Wednesday, targeting strategic sites including an oil export terminal near St. Petersburg as Russia prepared to host its flagship annual economic forum.
The attack, which sent plumes of black smoke rising over areas near President Vladimir Putin’s hometown, underscored Kyiv’s ability to strike deep inside Russia and disrupt high-profile events despite the ongoing war.
The strikes came as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum—often referred to as “Putin’s Davos”—was set to open later in the day. The event is one of Russia’s most important gatherings for business and political leaders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said several strategic facilities inside Russia had been targeted during the overnight operation.
Among the sites hit was the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, according to Zelenskyy, who noted that the drones traveled more than 600 miles to reach their targets.
“Important facilities on Russian territory were hit last night,” Zelenskyy said in a statement posted on social media. He described the strikes as part of Ukraine’s long-range campaign aimed at increasing pressure on Russia and advancing efforts to end the conflict.
Local authorities in St. Petersburg reported injuries and damage from the attacks, while emergency crews were deployed to assess the situation and respond to affected areas.
St. Petersburg Mayor Alexander Beglov said emergency services were working at multiple locations following the drone assault.
The broader Leningrad Oblast region also came under attack. Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko said Russian air defenses intercepted 50 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Russian officials also reported attempted strikes on Moscow, where Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defense systems destroyed 13 drones approaching the capital.
The latest attacks reflect a growing escalation in aerial warfare between the two countries. With diplomatic efforts stalled and frontline gains limited, both Russia and Ukraine have increasingly relied on long-range missile and drone strikes to target military, industrial and energy infrastructure.
Russian authorities have tightened restrictions on the publication of images and videos showing the aftermath of attacks, citing security concerns.
Meanwhile, officials in Russian-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine reported civilian casualties from a separate incident. Denis Pushilin, the Kremlin-backed leader of the occupied Donetsk region, said a Ukrainian drone strike hit a passenger bus, killing seven people.
The latest exchange highlights the continuing intensity of the conflict as both sides seek to gain leverage amid stalled peace negotiations and a prolonged battlefield stalemate.
