Ukrainian drones traveled nearly 1,000 kilometers to assault naval and energy targets around St. Petersburg on June 6, 2026. The coordinated strikes focused on multiple strategic sites in the region.
The primary targets included the Kronstadt Naval Base, headquarters for the Russian Baltic Fleet. Additional hits landed on the Petergofskaya Oil Depot and the Neste Oil Terminal in Lomonosov. The Russian Navy’s 15th Arsenal near Lomonosov also came under attack.
These locations hold key naval and energy resources for Russian forces. Russian authorities reported engaging drones across 16 regions. They claimed to have downed 59 or more of the incoming unmanned systems.
St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov described the incident as a large-scale attack by military drones. He instructed residents to remain indoors and noted three injuries from the event.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated, "Last night, our drones covered a distance of about 1,000 kilometers to the St. Petersburg region – to the enemy navy’s arsenals and a base in Kronstadt."
The operation took place on the final day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. This event follows a prior series of strikes on June 3 in the same area.
Details of the attacks emerged through reports from CNN detailing the Kronstadt strikes. The Institute for the Study of War provided analysis on the specific depots and terminals hit. BBC coverage confirmed the unprecedented nature of the drone assault on the St. Petersburg region.
The drone operations demonstrated the ability to reach deep into Russian territory despite defensive measures. Such long-distance missions require sophisticated guidance and fuel systems in the unmanned platforms.
Russian reports indicated that the drone numbers reached into the hundreds in the broader campaign. Interceptions occurred not only in St. Petersburg but also in surrounding areas.
