Russian authorities reported a massive Ukrainian drone attack overnight on July 4, with the Defense Ministry saying air defense systems intercepted 389 drones over 18 regions, annexed Crimea, and the Azov and Black Seas.
In St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, Governor Alexander Beglov said 72 drones were shot down. One fell in Peterhof, causing no damage, he added. Beglov warned residents of possible mobile internet disruptions and urged them to stay indoors. Local outlet Bumaga reported explosions and columns of smoke in the city. According to Astra, a fire broke out at the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal in the Kirovsky district, engulfing a railway tank car.
The St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, located near the city's major port, is used for transshipment of oil and petroleum products. In June, a large fire occurred at the same facility on the opening day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Leningrad region Governor Alexander Drozdenko said 67 drones were shot down over the region, with debris falling near the port of Vysotsk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed a targeted strike on the terminal, calling it "Ukrainian long-range sanctions" against Russia's war revenues. Zelensky also mentioned a strike on Kronstadt, describing it as an "important military target."
Belgorod also came under a massive attack. Local authorities reported damage to infrastructure, with power and water supply disruptions in the city. Acting Governor Alexander Shuvayev said there were no casualties. The outlet Pepel (formerly Pepel Belgorod), citing local social media groups, reported that the city was almost completely without power: missile strikes hit all major substations, and a fire broke out at the Luch thermal power plant. Electricity was also lost in nearby settlements, the outlet added.