Ukraine drones hit Saint Petersburg as economic forum starts
Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Russia’s second-largest city, St. Petersburg, early Wednesday, hitting important energy and military facilities just as thousands of international guests arrived for Russia’s flagship economic forum.
According to Russian officials, drones struck oil storage facilities in the city’s Kirovsky and Krasnoselsky districts. Witnesses reported loud explosions, while thick black smoke rose from a burning oil terminal. Ukrainian forces also targeted the nearby Kronstadt naval base and shipyard, home to Russia’s Baltic Fleet.
Videos shared online appeared to show a Ukrainian drone hitting the Russian guided-missile corvette Boikiy, which reportedly caught fire while undergoing repairs.
Embarrassing Timing for the Kremlin
The attack came only days before Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the annual economic forum, often referred to as Russia’s version of the Davos summit.
The strikes occurred roughly 10 miles from the event venue, creating an awkward situation for the Kremlin. Some visitors arriving for the forum reportedly saw smoke rising over the city, while temporary airport closures disrupted travel plans.
Around 20,000 attendees from more than 130 countries are expected at the three-day event.
Zelenskyy Calls It a “Long-Range Sanctions” Operation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the operation targeted strategic facilities deep inside Russian territory, including the St. Petersburg oil terminal, the Kronstadt naval base, and a weapons factory in Russia’s Tambov region.
Zelenskyy praised Ukrainian forces for their precision and described the strikes as part of Ukraine’s strategy to weaken Russia’s military and economic infrastructure.
Speaking alongside Mark Rutte in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was responding to recent Russian attacks and indicated that similar operations could continue.
Russia and Ukraine Continue Escalating Drone Warfare
The drone attack follows a large Russian missile and drone barrage on Ukraine that reportedly killed 23 people and injured many others. In response, Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone campaign, targeting Russian oil facilities, military factories, ports, airbases, and transport routes.
Military analysts say these strikes are aimed at disrupting Russia’s economy and reducing its ability to support military operations.
Russia Shifts Focus Away from Western Investors
Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the St. Petersburg forum attracted major Western investors and business leaders. However, many Western companies have since withdrawn.
This year’s gathering includes leaders and officials from countries such as Uzbekistan, Tanzania, Belarus, Cuba, and Saudi Arabia.
Russian officials have described the event as a meeting of “sovereign countries” and an alternative to Western-led economic forums.
Key Takeaway
The Ukrainian drone strikes on St. Petersburg highlight Kyiv’s growing ability to hit targets far inside Russia. Coming just as Russia’s most important economic forum begins, the attack delivered both a military and symbolic message, underscoring the continuing intensity of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
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