Ukraine struck the outskirts of St. Petersburg early Wednesday, hours before the opening of President Vladimir Putin’s flagship economic forum. Black smoke billowed over Russia’s second city as air defenses shot down 59 drones overnight. Authorities confirmed three districts were hit, though no casualties were reported.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov vowed a “systemic response.” Mobile internet was disrupted, and Pulkovo Airport temporarily closed. Latvia and Estonia issued air raid alerts.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Ukrainian drones hit an oil terminal and a naval base in Kronstadt, the Baltic Fleet’s main outpost, calling it part of a “long-range sanctions” plan. Unverified video showed drones targeting docked ships. Commander Robert Brovdi claimed the corvette Boikiy was struck.
The St. Petersburg Economic Forum, once called the “Russian Davos,” is attended by thousands from 130 countries, including a low-key US delegation led by Rodney Mims Cook Jr., head of the US Commission of Fine Arts. Right-wing commentator Candace Owens and actor Steven Seagal are also present.
The attack underscores Ukraine’s growing drone capabilities, targeting Russian energy and oil facilities it says fuel Moscow’s war machine. Russia continues heavy strikes on Ukrainian cities; at least 22 civilians were killed Monday night.