Russia burns as Ukraine strikes key targets – and smoke rises over Putin's hometown

Ukraine has targeted a series of key facilities located in Russia overnight, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said – as pictures emerge showing a large plume of smoke rising from Vladimir Putin’s hometown, St Petersburg. Announcing the attacks on X the Ukranian president said “our long-range sanctions”, undertaken by various national defense and security forces “have yielded good results”.

“Important facilities on Russian territory were hit last night,” he said. One of the key locations hit was St. Petersburg Oil Terminal which Zelenskyy highlighted is located around 684 miles (1,100 kilometers) from Ukraine’s border. Following the attack on Russia’s second-biggest city Pulkovo airport temporarily restricted flights, Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia said on Telegram. The incident coincided in the lead-up to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, scheduled to run from tomorrow, June 3 to June 6.

The annual conference of business leaders and government officials is hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin and is often described as the Russian equivalent of Davos.

Zelenskyy added that “purely military targets at the Kronstadt base were also hit”. The historic Russian port city serves as the primary home for the Russian Baltic Fleet.

The Ukrainian president said a Russian arms factory in the Tambov region which he says is involved in the production of Russian weapons was also targeted. Zelenskyy highlighted that the region is 372 miles (600 kilometers) from the frontline.

Zelenskyy proceeded to thank Ukraine’s “warriors for their precision”.

“Ukraine’s plan for long-range sanctions is being implemented exactly as needed to bring peace closer. Glory to Ukraine!”, Zelenskyy concluded.

Meanwhile, St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov said Ukrainian drones struck infrastructure facilities in the Kronstadt, Kirovsky, and Krasnoselsky districts early Wednesday morning.

He said the attacks damaged several facilities but did not specify which ones. “Cleanup operations are underway. Several people were injured, but there were no fatalities,” he said.

Starting at around 6pm local time on Monday, June 1, Russia launched 73 missiles and 656 drones at Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s air force, which said 40 missiles and 602 drones were intercepted or otherwise neutralised.