Ukraine has launched a major drone attack on military and energy targets inside Russia, including a key oil terminal in St Petersburg and the Kronstadt naval base, in retaliation for a deadly Russian strike that killed 22 civilians and injured over 100 others. The overnight operation, described as 'Putin's worst nightmare' by a source, targeted the Petersburg Oil Terminal, one of the largest oil handling facilities in northwestern Russia, causing thick smoke and loud explosions.
The strike on St Petersburg is a significant embarrassment to President Vladimir Putin, as it occurred just before the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, often called the 'Russian Davos,' scheduled for June 3-6. The attack undermines Putin's narrative of security and economic resilience. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the strikes, stating, 'There are good results from our long-range sanctions. Important facilities on Russian territory were hit overnight.' He emphasised that only military targets were struck, not civilians.
In addition to the St Petersburg attacks, Ukrainian drones hit the Progress plant in Michurinsk, Tambov Oblast, which produces control systems for military aviation and missile technology. The strikes come as Russia faces mounting pressure from repeated deep attacks on its oil facilities, which are crucial for funding the war. Russian oil revenues have been a key resource for Putin's invasion, now in its fourth year.
The Ukrainian operation follows a massive Russian drone and missile attack across Ukraine 24 hours earlier, one of the worst in months. The revenge strikes highlight Ukraine's growing capability to hit deep inside Russian territory, with drones launched from nearly 1,130 miles away. The attacks aim to disrupt Russia's economic and military infrastructure while boosting Ukrainian morale.
