Major Drone Attack on Russia Grounds Flights at Pulkovo and Pskov Airports

Drone Strike Targets Leningrad Region

According to Главком: In the early hours of May 3, multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) struck Russia's Leningrad region. Residents across several towns reported hearing drones flying overhead and subsequent explosions. The drones were heading toward Saint Petersburg, where they ignited a fire. This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating drone warfare aimed at Russian infrastructure.

As a result, Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg temporarily suspended both incoming and outgoing flights. Similar restrictions were enforced at Pskov Airport as well.

Infrastructure Hit in Southern Russia and Occupied Territories

Separately, drones operated by the SBU's Alpha Special Operations Center targeted fuel terminal infrastructure at the port of Tuapse in Russia's Krasnodar Krai. This terminal is the only facility integrated with the Tuapse Oil Refinery. Notably, this was not the first such attack on Tuapse-a previous strike occurred on the night of April 16.

In addition, the SBU and personnel from the First Separate Center of Unmanned Systems of the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed fuel tanker cars near temporarily occupied Luhansk. The strikes used FP-2 drones manufactured by Fire Point. Intelligence indicated that the enemy had amassed freight trains loaded with fuel at railway stations around Luhansk. These events highlight a growing campaign of unmanned attacks on key logistical assets.

Recent weeks have seen a marked increase in the use of drones to hit strategic targets inside Russia and on occupied territory. Attacks on oil terminals and fuel depots appear aimed at crippling the enemy's supply lines. The resulting airport closures suggest that these operations are causing significant concern among Russian military and civilian authorities, potentially fueling further escalation in the conflict.

The increasing frequency of drone strikes on critical infrastructure is raising alarms within Russian military circles. For instance, a recent attack on the Tuapse oil terminal resulted in a significant blaze, further highlighting the vulnerability of energy supplies. To understand the implications of these assaults and their potential impact on the ongoing conflict, read more about the latest developments at the Tuapse oil terminal.