Ukraine struck a St Petersburg oil terminal as Russia opened its flagship economic forum
ST PETERSBURG, 3 June 2026: Ukrainian forces struck the St Petersburg oil terminal and nearby military-linked targets as the St Petersburg International Economic Forum opened, Business Insider reported from Ukrainian military statements and Vantor satellite imagery. AP reported on 26 June that Ukraine has since continued one of its heaviest drone campaigns against Russian regions, energy sites and occupied Crimea.
The attack shows Ukraine using drones to hit energy and military infrastructure far from the front line. Business Insider said the St Petersburg terminal supports Russian fuel exports through the Baltic Sea. AP said Western officials and analysts view Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil and energy sites as pressure on Moscow's fuel supply and military logistics.
The subject is Ukraine's long-range drone campaign inside Russia, with the St Petersburg oil terminal strike as the focal event. Business Insider reported that satellite imagery showed smoke rising from the terminal after Ukrainian strikes on the forum's opening day. AP reported that Russian officials later said air defences intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones in a wider overnight assault on 26 June.
Background
The St Petersburg International Economic Forum has long been a Kremlin showcase for investment and diplomacy. Since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the forum has also become a stage for Moscow to argue that sanctions have not isolated Russia, while Ukraine has expanded long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
Opposing perspectives
- Ukrainian government and military
Ukrainian officials present long-range strikes as pressure on Russia's war economy and military capacity. Business Insider reported Ukrainian statements describing the St Petersburg terminal and Kronstadt targets as part of a wider campaign against infrastructure used to sustain Russia's war.
- Russian authorities
Russian officials usually emphasise air-defence interceptions and rarely detail damage after Ukrainian drone attacks, according to AP. Moscow frames strikes inside Russia as attacks on Russian territory, while Ukraine argues that energy and military-linked sites support Russia's invasion.
Sources & evidence
- Business Insider · 2026-06-03
- Associated Press · 2026-06-26
- Council of the European Union
- De Morgen