Ukraine Drones Strike St. Petersburg
Ukrainian drones hit Saint Petersburg energy and military sites during an economic forum, causing damage but no reported deaths.
Lauren Collins ·
Ukraine Targets Russian Infrastructure During Economic Forum
Ukrainian drones struck energy and military facilities in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday, coinciding with the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Regional Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed that multiple infrastructure sites on the city's outskirts sustained damage, though no fatalities were reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the attacks targeted the Saint Petersburg Oil Terminal and the Kronstadt military base.
The strikes occurred as Russia commenced its prominent economic forum, an event President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend. Ukrainian officials indicated the objective was to disrupt this high-profile gathering. Witnesses reported visible smoke rising from the city's edge following the drone impacts, with smoke also discernible from the forum's venue.
Authorities had issued warnings to residents and visitors regarding potential drone attacks via text messages prior to the incidents. Governor Beglov noted that clean-up operations were underway for the damaged buildings. These actions represent Kyiv's continued strategy of employing long-range strikes against Russian oil and gas infrastructure.