Ukrainian drones hit energy and military sites in St Petersburg early on Wednesday, hours before the city's flagship economic forum opened, dealing a blow to Vladimir Putin. Several long-range drones crashed into oil storage facilities after Russian air defences failed to intercept them, causing loud explosions and sending black smoke above the city.
St Petersburg's governor, Alexander Beglov, confirmed that the Kirovsky and Krasnoselsky districts were targeted. Ukraine also struck the nearby Kronstadt naval base and shipyard in Leningrad Oblast, home to Russia's Baltic Fleet. Video footage showed a drone hitting the guided-missile corvette Boikiy, which caught fire while in dry dock undergoing repairs.
The strikes occurred about 10 miles from the forum venue, where Putin is due to speak on Friday. Guests arriving for the opening ceremony saw thick smoke, and St Petersburg's airport was temporarily closed, preventing some from flying in. About 20,000 visitors from 130 countries are expected at the three-day summit, dubbed Russia's answer to Davos.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strikes as part of Ukraine's 'long-range sanctions,' targeting the Petersburg oil terminal, Kronstadt base, and a weapons factory in the Tambov region. He thanked Ukrainian warriors for their precision, saying the plan is bringing peace closer. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv, Zelenskyy called the strikes fair, noting Russia's massive attack on Tuesday that killed 23 Ukrainians.
Rutte commented that Russia's desperation is growing as Ukraine continues to innovate and make battlefield gains. In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its aerial campaign to disrupt Russia's economy, hitting ports, oil facilities, military factories, and airbases. The strikes have caused fuel shortages in Crimea and disrupted supply routes.
