In the early hours of Wednesday , Ukrainian forces launched a coordinated drone strike on St. Petersburg, igniting an oil terminal and damaging the 120‑million‑pound corvette Boykiy at the Kronstadt base. The attack unfolded as President Vladimir Putin presided over the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, bringing the war to his hometown.

Oil terminal blaze forces emergency response in Putin's birthplace

The strike set the city's main oil terminal ablaze, prompting a massive fire that sent thick smoke over the historic centre. According to the report, the refinery supplies fuel to Russia’s military operations, making it a strategic target. Emergency crews struggled to contain the flames while residents reported hearing a “buzzing” sound before the explosions.

Naval corvette Boykiy crippled at Kronstadt base

Ukrainian drones also struck the nearby Kronstadt naval base, tearing apart the Boykiy, a 120‑million‑pound corvette that forms part of the Baltic Fleet.. The damage was described as “torn apart,” indicating severe structural harm. This marks one of the few instances where Ukraine has directly hit a major Russian warship on home soil.

Economic Forum continues amid smoke and panic

Despite the chaos, the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum proceeded with around 20,000 delegates from over 130 countries. The forum’s slogan, “the pathway to a stable future,” contrasted sharply with the column of smoke rising from the refinery... As the report notes, the incident was a “shocking humiliation” for Putin, who was slated to speak at the conference.

Ukraine’s expanding deep‑strike capability

The attack demonstrates Ukraine’s growing ability to strike deep inside Russian territory, a development that has unsettled many Russians who have grown accustomed to the war’s peripheral impacts. According to the source, this is one of the first major drone incursions into Putin’s hometown, underscoring a shift in the conflict’s geographic reach.

Who is behind the unnamed drone operators?

The report does not identify the specific Ukrainian units or external partners that launched the drones, leaving open questions about the technology used and whether foreign assistance played a role. Further verification is needed to confirm the exact origin of the drones and the extent of any international involvement.