For the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, residents of St Petersburg were told to stay indoors. The order came after Ukraine launched what Russian authorities called an "unprecedented attack" on the country's second-largest city, sending hundreds of drones towards military targets. The strike, which occurred during the final day of Russia's flagship economic forum, marked a new phase in the war: long-range Ukrainian drones reaching deep into Russian territory, hitting a city that had largely felt insulated from the conflict.
The attack on January 18, 2026, involved more than 140 drones, according to Leningrad region governor Aleksandr Drozdenko. St Petersburg's governor Alexander Beglov urged residents to remain at home. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the drones had covered a distance of 1,000km to strike "the enemy navy's arsenals and a base in Kronstadt", the main outpost of Russia's Baltic Fleet. A separate oil depot in the southern Krasnodar region, 500km away, was also hit as part of what Zelensky called Ukraine's "long-range sanctions" — a euphemism for strikes on Russian soil. Russia's defence ministry later claimed to have shot down or intercepted 339 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions that day.
“Explains the unprecedented Ukrainian drone attack on St Petersburg and the broader strategy of long-range strikes.”
These strikes are part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to take the war to Russia. Since 2022, Ukraine has developed its own long-range drone capability, hitting oil refineries, airfields and other military infrastructure hundreds of kilometres inside Russia. The attack on St Petersburg is significant not only for its scale but also for its timing. It came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, dismissed calls for a ceasefire and direct talks, saying there was "no point" in meeting Zelensky. The forum, designed to attract foreign investment, drew thousands of guests from 130 countries, including a low-level US delegation — the first in many years.
The commander of the Ukrainian unit involved, Yevhen Karas of the 413th regiment Raid of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, told the BBC that flying into Russian airspace had become routine: "We fly in Russia like it's our own territory. Almost no resistance, not hard to reach a target." For the UK, which has been one of Ukraine's staunchest military backers, these developments raise questions about escalation. The ability to strike deep inside Russia changes the dynamics of the war, potentially provoking a harsher Russian response while also showing the limits of Russian air defences. UK readers should also note that this strike occurred just days after Ukraine accused Russia of attacking two civilian search-and-rescue vessels in the Black Sea, leaving several injured — a reminder that the conflict remains volatile on all fronts.
Q: How far can Ukrainian drones fly? A: According to President Zelensky, the drones that struck St Petersburg flew 1,000km. This demonstrates Ukraine's growing capability to hit targets deep inside Russia, far from the front lines.
Q: Why is St Petersburg a significant target? A: St Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city and home to the Baltic Fleet's main naval base at Kronstadt. It also hosts the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a key event for showcasing Russia's economy. Attacking it during the forum sent a symbolic message that no part of Russia is safe.
Q: Has Ukraine attacked Russian cities before? A: Yes, Ukraine has previously struck oil refineries, airfields and other infrastructure across western Russia. However, this was the first time residents of St Petersburg were urged to stay indoors, and the scale — over 140 drones — was described as unprecedented.
What happens next is uncertain. Russia may retaliate with further strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, while Ukraine continues to develop its drone programme. Zelensky has repeatedly called for direct negotiations, but Putin has so far refused, meaning the war of long-range drones is likely to continue. The UK and its allies will be watching closely for any escalation that could draw them further into the conflict.