Ukrainian Drone Strikes Oil Terminal in St. Petersburg as Economic Forum Opens

A Ukrainian drone struck an oil export terminal in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, as Russia's annual economic forum got underway in the city, in an attempt to embarrass President Vladimir Putin and highlight the vulnerability of major Russian cities.

The Ukrainian drone targeted Putin's hometown of St. Petersburg as it hosted the Russian version of the annual "Davos" economic forum, aimed at attracting foreign investment and showcasing Russia's best side. The Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing for over four years, with both sides escalating attacks against each other, with no ceasefire in sight.

Reuters reported that black smoke could be seen rising from the oil export terminal after it was hit, visible from the historic city center. A Reuters reporter reported hearing a loud explosion in the morning.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a Ukrainian drone struck the oil terminal and said they also targeted a military facility near St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov said "infrastructure targets" in three different districts of the city were hit. Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko said air defense systems shot down 59 drones overnight.

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) said on the Telegram messaging platform that the local Pulkovo Airport temporarily restricted flights. Local media reported that over 30 flights were delayed or canceled.