Ukraine launched a major drone strike targeting Russia’s second-largest city, St Petersburg, just hours before the start of a flagship economic forum that President Vladimir Putin is expected to address later this week.
Columns of black smoke were seen rising over parts of the city on Wednesday morning after Russian authorities said air defence systems intercepted dozens of drones during an overnight attack.
Officials reported that 59 drones were shot down and that three districts of St Petersburg were affected. No fatalities were reported.
The attack came as Russia prepares to host the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a high-profile event aimed at showcasing investment opportunities and strengthening international business ties. Thousands of delegates from around 130 countries are expected to attend, including a small United States delegation.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the strikes and warned that Russia would respond.
“Our responses will be systemic in nature,” Peskov told reporters.
The drone attacks disrupted mobile internet services and temporarily forced the closure of Pulkovo Airport. Air raid alerts were also reported in parts of neighbouring Latvia and Estonia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later confirmed that Ukrainian drones had struck several targets inside Russia, including an oil terminal and a naval facility in Kronstadt, a strategic town near St Petersburg that serves as the main base of Russia’s Baltic Fleet.
“The Ukrainian plan of long-range sanctions is being implemented exactly as it is needed to bring peace closer,” Zelensky said in a social media post, using Kyiv’s preferred term for long-range strikes on Russian territory.
Ukrainian military-linked sources claimed that naval assets were among the targets. Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s unmanned systems forces, stated on Telegram that the Russian corvette Boikiy had been hit.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show drones approaching military vessels docked near Kronstadt, although the footage could not be independently verified.
The timing of the attack is particularly significant because it coincides with the opening of Russia’s premier economic gathering, often referred to as the “Russian Davos.”
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the annual forum attracted major Western political leaders, multinational executives and investors. Western participation has since declined sharply due to sanctions and geopolitical tensions.
However, this year’s event will include a small American delegation led by Rodney Mims Cook Jr, chairman of the US Commission of Fine Arts. The delegation’s presence marks a rare appearance by US representatives at the forum since relations between Moscow and Washington deteriorated following the invasion.
Among other attendees expected at the event are conservative commentator Candace Owens and actor Steven Seagal, a longtime supporter of Putin.
Ukrainian defence industry figures openly celebrated the timing of the operation. Denys Shtilierman of defence company Fire Point joked on social media that Ukraine had decided to “visit” St Petersburg because of the forum’s importance and its distinguished guests.
The latest strike highlights Ukraine’s growing long-range drone capabilities. Since the start of the war, Kyiv has significantly expanded domestic drone production, allowing it to repeatedly target military, energy and oil infrastructure deep inside Russian territory.
While Ukraine continues to intensify attacks on strategic targets inside Russia, Moscow has maintained its aerial bombardment campaign against Ukrainian cities.
On Wednesday, Russian-installed officials in occupied Donetsk reported that seven people were killed when a drone struck a passenger bus. Earlier this week, combined Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine left at least 22 people dead, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The escalating exchange of long-range strikes underscores the continuing intensity of a war that shows little sign of easing despite ongoing international efforts to find a diplomatic solution.
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