Full Breakdown
Ukrainian Drone Campaign Strikes Russian Energy Infrastructure in Belgorod and Leningrad Regions, July 3-4 2024
7/4/2026, 12:22:32 PM
Core Event: Coordinated Drone Attacks on Energy Facilities
On the night of July 3 and the early hours of July 4, Ukrainian forces launched a series of unmanned-aerial-vehicle (UAV) strikes against Russian energy and industrial sites. The first attack hit an 110 kV substation at the Michurinskaya thermal power plant in Belgorod, igniting a fire and disrupting electricity and water supplies. The following day, drones targeted the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal—one of the Baltic’s largest oil-product hubs with 21 storage reservoirs and a 12.5 million-ton annual capacity—and the nearby port of Vysotsk, while additional strikes damaged the Luch thermal power plant in Belgorod. Russian air defenses reported intercepting the incoming UAVs, but fires and outages persisted across both regions.
Background & Context: Ongoing Conflict and a New Strategic Operation
The attacks occurred amid Ukraine’s broader campaign to degrade Russian logistical and energy capabilities. In May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy authorized a 40-day strategic operation led by the Security Service of Ukraine to increase pressure on Moscow and undermine its war-fighting capacity. The July strikes represent the latest phase of that operation, extending beyond occupied territories into Russian heartland regions.
Timeline of the July 3-4 Attacks
- July 3, early morning – UAV strike ignites fire at the 110 kV substation of the Michurinskaya thermal power plant, Belgorod.
- July 3, later day – Regional officials confirm widespread electricity and water disruptions.
- July 4, early morning – Multiple drones hit the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal and Vysotsk port; debris falls in Vysotsk.
- July 4, morning – Drone debris reported near the Russian capital; air defenses claim 67 UAVs intercepted over Leningrad region.
- July 4, later morning – Explosions and fire reported at Belgorod’s Luch thermal power plant, causing additional utility outages.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ukrainian Defense Forces – Conducted the UAV operations.
- OSINT community Exilenova+ – Published photos and video of the Belgorod substation fire.
- Astra – Confirmed the fire’s location at the 110 kV substation.
- Alexander Drozdenko – Governor of Leningrad region, reported drone debris in Vysotsk.
- Alexander Shuvayev – Governor of Belgorod, labeled the July 4 incident a “massive strike.”
- Russian air-defence units – Intercepted UAVs over Leningrad and reportedly shot down additional drones near Moscow.
Data & Statistics
- 67 UAVs intercepted over Leningrad region (official Russian count).
- 21 storage reservoirs at the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, processing 12.5 million tons of oil products annually.
- 110 kV substation at Michurinskaya plant; plant capacity 24.2 MW electric, 80 Gcal/h thermal.
- Power and water outages reported across Belgorod; traffic lights darkened at several intersections.
Official Statements & Responses
Russian authorities emphasized the effectiveness of air-defence systems, citing the interception of dozens of UAVs. Belgorod Governor Shuvayev described the July 4 attacks as a “massive strike” that damaged local infrastructure. Leningrad Governor Drozdenko noted debris falling in Vysotsk port. Ukrainian Defense Forces claimed responsibility for the Belgorod substation strike, framing it as part of the authorized strategic operation.
Criticism & Opposition
Russian officials condemned the attacks as unlawful assaults on civilian energy infrastructure, warning of escalated retaliation. Ukrainian representatives countered that the targeted facilities support military logistics and that the operation aligns with internationally recognised self-defence measures.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents of Belgorod reported explosions, loss of electricity and water, and traffic-light failures. In St. Petersburg, witnesses described strong blasts and ensuing fires at the oil terminal. Emergency crews responded to the Luch plant fire, while local authorities pledged restoration of utilities by day’s end.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Drone counts differ: Russian officials cite 67 UAVs intercepted in Leningrad, while separate Moscow statements claim 16 drones shot down in a “heavy overnight attack.”
- Casualty figures were not disclosed by any source, leaving the human impact unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “massive strike” — Alexander Shuvayev, Belgorod Governor
- “a fire broke out on the territory of an infrastructure facility.” — Local operational headquarters, Belgorod regional authorities
- “Advertisement Overall, Russian authorities stated that air defenses intercepted 67 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the Leningrad region on Saturday morning.” — Russian authorities
- “A missile alert had been declared in the region before the strike.” — Regional officials, Belgorod
- “ Officials said energy infrastructure sites had sustained serious damage.” — Belgorod regional officials
What’s Next: Restoration and Continued Operations
Belgorod officials expect water and electricity services to be fully restored by the end of July 4. Russian air-defence units remain on heightened alert, while Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces have signalled that further long-range UAV operations will continue as part of the ongoing 40-day strategic campaign.
