Ukrainian drones struck St Petersburg and targeted an oil terminal and a naval base. The attacks happened hours before Russia’s flagship economic forum was scheduled to begin. Black smoke rose over Russia’s second-largest city as dawn broke on June 3, 2026.
President Vladimir Putin was expected to address the financial event. Thousands of guests from 130 countries were invited to attend. A small United States delegation was also planned to be present. Local authorities reported that air defences intercepted 59 drones. Three districts of St Petersburg experienced impacts. No fatalities were confirmed in the drone strikes.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Moscow would retaliate. He described potential responses as being “systemic in nature.” Mobile internet access faced disruptions. Pulkovo Airport in St Petersburg temporarily ceased operations. Air raid alerts were also issued in parts of Latvia and Estonia.
Volodymyr Zelensky later confirmed Ukraine's drone strikes. He said several locations in Russia were hit. These included the oil terminal and a naval base in Kronstadt. Zelensky described the strikes as implementing Ukraine’s long-range sanctions plan. This strategy aims to bring peace closer, he stated on social media.
Kronstadt serves as the primary base for Russia's Baltic Fleet. Unverified social media videos showed drones heading towards military ships. Ukrainian military figures released footage showing drones approaching docked vessels. Commander Robert Brovdi of Ukraine's unmanned systems claimed the corvette Boikiy was hit. He posted this information on the Telegram platform.
The St Petersburg International Economic Forum is often called the “Russian Davos.” It is a key event on Russia’s political calendar. Before Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western delegations attended. High-profile CEOs and heads of state were frequent participants.
This year marks the first time in nearly a decade that a US delegation will participate. The group is described as low-key. It is led by Rodney Mims Cook Jr. He oversees President Donald Trump's ballroom project at the White House. Commentator Candace Owens and actor Steven Seagal are also expected attendees.
Ukraine has developed a significant defence industry since 2022. Kyiv can now regularly strike targets within Russia. Its focus often targets energy infrastructure. These facilities are seen as vital to Russia's war efforts. Meanwhile, Russia continues its attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Such attacks result in significant civilian casualties. On June 2, 2026, seven people died. A drone hit a passenger bus in the Donetsk region. This area is controlled by Moscow. That same night, at least 22 people were killed in combined missile and drone strikes across Ukraine.
The St Petersburg attacks cast a shadow over Russia's attempt to project economic stability. Investor confidence may be further shaken by such security concerns. The forum’s success in attracting investment could be impacted.