by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
ST. PETERSBURG/KYIV (Worthy News) – Ukrainian drones struck energy and military facilities in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, just hours before international guests gathered for Russia’s flagship economic forum, in what appeared to be retaliation for deadly Russian attacks on Ukraine.
Local officials acknowledged that long-range Ukrainian drones breached air defenses and struck several targets, including oil storage facilities near the Russian city.
Witnesses reported loud explosions and thick black smoke rising above the skyline. Video footage obtained by Worthy News showed multiple sites ablaze, with residents watching in shock.
One resident, speaking in footage shared online, said he was stunned by the attack, remarking that he could not even go out shopping amid the chaos.
St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov said the Kirovsky and Krasnoselsky districts were targeted, while Ukrainian forces also struck the nearby Kronstadt naval base and shipyard in the Leningrad region, home to Russia’s Baltic Fleet.
Video circulating on social media and reviewed by Worthy News appeared to show a drone flying low over the port before striking the guided-missile corvette Boikiy, which reportedly caught fire while undergoing repairs in dry dock.
The strikes occurred roughly 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the venue of the three-day economic summit, often described as Russia’s answer to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
About 20,000 visitors from 130 countries are expected to attend the event, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to deliver a keynote address on Friday.
Some participants reportedly faced travel disruptions after St. Petersburg’s airport was temporarily closed following the attacks.
Among those attending are former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, U.S. commentator Candace Owens, actor Steven Seagal, and brothers Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate.
FORUM DISRUPTED
The Tate brothers face criminal charges and ongoing investigations in Britain and Romania, including allegations of human trafficking, trafficking of minors, money laundering, and related offenses. They deny all wrongdoing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the operation as part of Kyiv’s campaign of “long-range sanctions” against Russia.
He said drones struck key facilities, including the Petersburg oil terminal, one of Russia’s largest Baltic Sea oil trans-shipment hubs located about 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) from Ukraine’s border.
“I thank our warriors for their precision,” Zelenskyy said. “Ukraine’s plan for long-range sanctions is being implemented exactly as needed to bring peace closer.”
The Ukrainian operation came after Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults of the war on Tuesday, firing dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones across Ukraine.
RETALIATION CLAIMED
Ukrainian authorities say the attacks have since killed at least 18 people and injured more than 100 others.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said Wednesday’s strikes were a direct response.
“Just a day ago, there was a massive attack. We responded accordingly,” he said. “It’s just a matter of time before we can scale up the intensity of our responses.”
The Russian barrage targeted Kyiv and several other regions across Ukraine, damaging residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure, according to officials.
Rutte said Russia’s escalating attacks reflected growing desperation as Ukraine continued to resist Moscow’s invasion.
MISSILE SHORTAGE CONCERNS
However, there has been growing concern in Kyiv that Ukraine may eventually struggle to sustain its defenses due to shortages of Patriot interceptor missiles.
Zelenskyy recently appealed directly to the White House for additional supplies, but the administration of President Donald J. Trump has not announced a new Patriot package.
Zelenskyy has also urged the United States and its allies to provide more interceptors after Russia intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Analysts say global stockpiles have come under pressure following heavy use of Patriot missiles during the recent conflict with Iran and continued demand from Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials warn that Patriot systems remain the country’s only reliable defense against many Russian ballistic missiles, raising fears that any prolonged shortage could leave key cities and critical infrastructure more vulnerable to attack.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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