Ukraine launched drone attacks on St. Petersburg and Kronstadt naval base on the night of June 3 (local time), targeting an oil terminal and a Russian Navy corvette. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted video of a burning oil storage facility on X on June 3 (local time), stating that major facilities on Russian territory were hit and describing the strikes as part of Ukraine's long-range deterrence plan to accelerate peace. The attacks occurred ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) opening on June 4, with Zelenskyy calling them 'legitimate attacks' in response to Russian airstrikes during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Zelenskyy Posts Attack Video and Defends Strikes as Legitimate Response
Zelenskyy posted on X on June 3 (local time) with video showing smoke rising from an oil storage facility, writing that major facilities on Russian territory were hit overnight including the St. Petersburg oil terminal. He stated that Ukraine's long-range deterrence plan necessary to accelerate peace is being executed precisely. Zelenskyy claimed the facility, located 1,100 km from the Ukrainian border, was operating for war purposes.
During a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Zelenskyy described the attacks as 'legitimate attacks' in response to Russia's large-scale airstrikes the previous day, according to AFP and Reuters. He warned that retaliatory attacks could be further intensified.
Ukraine Strikes Kronstadt Naval Base and Damages Russian Corvette
Ukraine also attacked the Kronstadt naval base on Kotlin Island in the Gulf of Finland near St. Petersburg using long-range drones. The base is a key fortress of the Russian Baltic Fleet. The attack caused a major fire on the Russian Navy's latest guided-missile stealth corvette Boyky, which was under repair.
Video released by the Ukrainian military showed drones striking the vessel. The footage captured the attack in detail.
Kremlin Warns of Systematic Response to Drone Attacks
Russia warned of a systematic response to the drone attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia's response to the attacks will be systematic.
SPIEF Forum Opens with Putin Scheduled to Speak June 5
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum opened in St. Petersburg on June 4 with approximately 20,000 participants from 130 countries attending, including the presidents of Uzbekistan and Tanzania. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the SPIEF plenary session on June 5, followed by participation in discussions.
Ukraine has not concealed that the attacks were carried out with the purpose of disrupting SPIEF.
FAQ
What did Ukraine attack in St. Petersburg on the night of June 3?
Ukraine launched drone attacks on an oil terminal in St. Petersburg and the Kronstadt naval base on the night of June 3 (local time). The oil terminal is located 1,100 km from the Ukrainian border. The attack on Kronstadt naval base damaged the Russian Navy corvette Boyky, which was under repair.
Why did Zelenskyy call the St. Petersburg attacks legitimate?
Zelenskyy described the attacks as 'legitimate attacks' in response to Russia's large-scale airstrikes the previous day during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on June 3 (local time). He stated the strikes are part of Ukraine's long-range deterrence plan to accelerate peace.
