Ukraine launched a large-scale drone offensive against Russia overnight, targeting areas including St Petersburg as the country prepared to host its flagship economic forum, according to CNN.
Russian authorities said air defenses intercepted more than 350 Ukrainian drones, including around 60 over the Leningrad region. Officials reported injuries, infrastructure damage and disruptions to air traffic near St Petersburg.
In Smolensk, regional authorities said two firefighters were killed while responding to a blaze linked to falling drone debris.
On the first day of Petersburg Economic Forum, Ukraine hit Petersburg oil export terminal and Kronstadt naval base. Note: after russian terrorist attack on Kyiv, Dnipro, and other cities, Ukraine continues to hit military and infrastructure targets, not civilians. pic.twitter.com/ZAzcATgFS5
— Sergej Sumlenny, LL.M (@sumlenny) June 3, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes hit strategic targets, including the St Petersburg oil terminal, military facilities at the Kronstadt naval base and a weapons-related site in the Tambov region.
According to Zelensky, the attacks were part of Ukraine’s long-range strategy aimed at increasing pressure on Russia.
The assault coincided with the opening of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, often described as President Vladimir Putin’s answer to Davos.
The strikes followed a deadly Russian missile and drone barrage on Ukraine that killed at least 23 people, according to Ukrainian officials. The United Nations condemned the latest attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.
Also Read:
TIPP Staff
