A significant fire erupted at an oil terminal within Russia's St. Petersburg port following a long-range drone attack by Ukrainian forces on Tuesday night. The explosions persisted into the early morning hours, causing the blaze to expand further. Numerous videos circulating on social media captured loud blasts, massive flames, and thick columns of black smoke billowing from the facility. Reports indicate that oil storage tanks at the terminal caught fire.
Official Response and Local Impact
At approximately 6 a.m. local time, Leningrad region Governor Alexander Drozdenko announced via Telegram that 30 drones had been shot down over the area. However, he made no mention of the fire at the port. Local residents reported hearing a series of explosions before smoke and flames became visible across the city, according to local media. Additionally, flight operations at Pulkovo Airport were disrupted. Russian authorities have yet to confirm the full extent of the damage at the terminal.
Details of the Affected Terminal
The impacted facility, JSC St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, is the largest oil handling complex in northwestern Russia. Covering 37 hectares, it contains 21 storage tanks for light and heavy petroleum products and boasts an annual handling capacity of 12.5 million metric tons. The terminal holds strategic importance within Russia's national security framework and has been listed in the country's register of natural monopolies since 2000.
Coinciding Events and Subsequent Attacks
The attack coincided with the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, often referred to as the 'Russian Davos,' scheduled from June 3 to June 6, with Russian President Vladimir Putin in attendance. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that multiple drones were intercepted over the capital. Meanwhile, a separate suspected drone strike targeted the Progress defense industry plant in Russia's Tambov region. These attacks followed Russia's large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukraine the previous day, which targeted Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro.
The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in long-range strikes. The fire at the St. Petersburg oil terminal underscores the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure amid the war. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
