On the morning of June 3, Ukrainian drones launched a large-scale attack on northwestern Russia, targeting St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. The assault coincided with the opening day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported that over 50 drones were shot down during the night and morning. St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed that infrastructure facilities in Kronstadt, Kirovsky, and Krasnoselsky districts were hit, resulting in several casualties.

According to local media outlet Bumaga, a residential building in the Zhemchuzhny Kaskad complex on the Gulf of Finland coast was damaged. The most significant damage occurred at the St. Petersburg oil terminal, where a fire broke out after the attack, sending plumes of smoke over the city. Meanwhile, forum guests were arriving for the event.

The attack caused disruptions to mobile internet services in St. Petersburg. At Pulkovo Airport, more than 30 flights were canceled or delayed. The drone threat had been declared in the city as early as the previous night.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the attack, stating that targets included the St. Petersburg oil terminal and military facilities at the Kronstadt base. He claimed the oil terminal is located approximately 1,100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Another target was a Russian weapons manufacturing plant in the Tambov region, about 600 kilometers from the front line.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum runs from June 3 to 6. This year's event is themed 'Pragmatic Dialogue — Path to a Sustainable Future.' It brings together representatives from over 130 countries and territories, including Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Source: www.gazeta.uz