Ukraine launched a major overnight drone offensive deep into Russian territory, striking multiple cities including St. Petersburg just hours before President Vladimir Putin’s flagship economic forum began in the city.
Russian officials said Ukrainian drones targeted at least three districts of St. Petersburg, causing damage to infrastructure and injuring several people. The city is currently hosting the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a high-profile event often used by the Kremlin to showcase Russia’s economic and political influence.
Authorities in Russia claimed their air defence systems intercepted and destroyed more than 350 drones across several regions, including areas near Moscow, St. Petersburg, and western Russia. The Defence Ministry said dozens of drones were also downed over the Leningrad region alone.
Ukraine, however, said its forces carried out successful long-range strikes on key Russian targets, including naval and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials claimed responsibility for hitting a Russian naval corvette near St. Petersburg and striking facilities linked to fuel storage and military production.
Regional governors in Russia reported injuries and fires caused by falling debris from intercepted drones. In Smolensk, officials said emergency workers were killed while responding to a blaze triggered by drone activity, while several others were injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the strikes as part of a broader campaign targeting Russia’s military and energy assets, saying the operations were aimed at weakening Russia’s war capacity and increasing pressure on its logistics networks.
The escalation comes as both sides intensify aerial attacks, with Russia also reporting recent large-scale strikes on Ukrainian cities that caused significant casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
The Kremlin warned of continued retaliatory action, saying its response to Ukrainian attacks would be “systematic,” while maintaining that Russia’s air defences remain capable of handling large-scale drone incursions.
The renewed exchange of strikes has heightened tensions as the war expands deeper into both countries’ territories, disrupting civilian life and major political events on either side.
