The successful Ukrainian attack was also commented on by the country’s president Volodymyr Zelensky, thanking numerous institutions for the successful operation.
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“SBU (Ukrainian Security Service – editor’s note), SBS (Unmanned Systems Forces), SSO (Special Operations Forces), GUR (military intelligence) and DPUS (Ukrainian State Border Guard Service) soldiers achieved excellent results by applying our long-range sanctions. Important targets in Russian territory were struck last night.
Among them is the Saint Petersburg oil terminal. From our Ukrainian state border to this facility, belonging to the Russian oil industry working for the war effort, is about 1100 kilometers. Purely military targets at the Kronstadt base were also reached.
Another target is a company in the Tambov region involved in Russian weapons production. The distance from the front line is almost 600 kilometers.
I thank our soldiers for their accuracy. The Ukrainian long-range sanctions plan is being implemented exactly as needed to bring peace closer. Glory to Ukraine!” said V. Zelensky on his Telegram channel.
Strike ahead of important economic forum
This drone attack coincided with the start of the 2026 Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum – the annual conference of business leaders and government officials organized by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Residents of Saint Petersburg shared photos and videos capturing loud explosions and a huge fire. The photos show black smoke rising above the Saint Petersburg oil terminal.
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The oil terminal, located in the Gulf of Finland in the greater Saint Petersburg port, is one of Russia’s largest fuel storage and export facilities. It receives and transports oil products by river, rail, and road, with an annual throughput of 12.5 million tons.
The new attack on the Saint Petersburg oil terminal occurred the day after Russia launched a devastating massive missile and drone strike on Kyiv, Dnipro, and other Ukrainian cities. At least 23 people were killed in this large-scale attack, including two children, and more than 100 were injured.
“The forum opens with a beautiful pillar of black smoke in the background”
Ukrainian officials said the attack aimed to disrupt the Saint Petersburg Economic Forum, where President Vladimir Putin will also deliver the main speech on Friday.
“The Petersburg forum opens with a beautiful pillar of black smoke in the background after Ukrainian strikes,” wrote Ukrainian Defense Minister’s advisor Serhiy Sternenko on social media, posting a video showing delegates walking to the event venue with smoke visible in the background.
The annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, starting Wednesday and lasting three days, which was once Russia’s main event to attract Western investors and business, is expected to host about 20,000 guests from 130 countries.
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