Ukrainian Drones Strike St Petersburg Hours Before Major Russian Economic Forum
Ukrainian drones targeted the outskirts of St Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday morning, causing black smoke plumes over the city. The strikes occurred mere hours before the opening of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, an event designed to draw foreign investment into Russia.
Local authorities reported that air defences intercepted 59 drones overnight, confirming strikes in three distinct areas of St Petersburg. No fatalities were reported. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated Moscow would deliver a “systemic” response to the attacks. Mobile internet services were disrupted, and St Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport was temporarily shut. Air raid alerts were also issued in parts of neighbouring Latvia and Estonia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later confirmed that Ukrainian drones had hit several Russian locations, including an oil terminal and a naval base in Kronstadt, the primary outpost for Russia’s Baltic Fleet. Zelensky stated this action was part of Ukraine’s “long-range sanctions plan,” a euphemism for long-distance strikes. Unverified social media videos from Ukrainian military figures showed drones approaching military vessels before the footage cut out, with commander Robert Brovdi of Ukraine’s unmanned systems claiming the corvette Boikiy was struck.
The St Petersburg Economic Forum, historically attended by high-profile Western delegations, now sees a significantly reduced Western presence following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This year, a low-key US delegation, led by Rodney Mims Cook Jr of the US Commission of Fine Arts, is participating. US right-wing commentator Candace Owens and actor Steven Seagal, a vocal supporter of Putin, are also expected attendees.
Ukraine’s defence sector has expanded significantly since the 2022 invasion, enabling regular strikes on Russian targets, particularly energy infrastructure and oil facilities. These facilities are viewed by Kyiv as directly funding the Russian war effort. These strikes coincide with continued Russian bombardments of Ukrainian cities; Moscow-installed officials reported seven fatalities in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region after a drone struck a passenger bus. Meanwhile, Monday night saw at least 22 people killed in combined missile and drone strikes across Ukraine.
