Kyiv's Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, has warned of a "very dramatic situation" in the Ukrainian capital, with intensified Russian missile strikes severely damaging critical energy infrastructure. The attacks have left much of the city without power and heating, raising concerns over the grid's integrity.
The St Petersburg International Economic Forum was overshadowed by Ukrainian drone attacks on the city, as President Vladimir Putin dismissed an offer for peace talks from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Putin affirmed an uncompromising stance on the conflict, while the forum attempted to project an image of economic stability despite growing pressures.
More than 140 Ukrainian drones targeted St Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region, described by Russian authorities as an 'unprecedented attack' during Russia's annual economic forum. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed strikes on naval arsenals and a base.
