Ukraine launched a large-scale drone assault on several Russian regions overnight, targeting key infrastructure in and around St. Petersburg just hours before the opening of Russia’s flagship economic forum.
Russian authorities said hundreds of drones were intercepted across multiple regions, including areas near the border and deeper inside the country. Officials reported that several districts in St. Petersburg came under attack, leaving a number of people injured.
The strikes occurred shortly before the start of the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a major event attended by business leaders, government officials and international delegates.
According to Russian officials, air defence systems destroyed more than 350 Ukrainian drones during the overnight attacks. The operation reportedly extended to regions including Leningrad and Novgorod.
Ukraine, however, claimed responsibility for hitting several strategic targets. The Ukrainian military said one of its targets was the Russian naval vessel “Boikiy,” located near the Kronstadt naval base close to St. Petersburg. Kyiv alleged that the warship had been involved in operations linked to Russia’s maritime activities.
Ukrainian forces also reported strikes on infrastructure facilities in Russia’s Smolensk region. Local authorities confirmed that two firefighters lost their lives while responding to a blaze caused by debris from a downed drone. Two other emergency workers and a civilian were reportedly injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attacks achieved “positive results” and claimed they targeted strategic facilities supporting Russia’s military and energy sectors.
Among the locations mentioned by Ukrainian officials was an oil terminal in St. Petersburg, described as a key hub for fuel exports and logistics. Another target was reportedly a facility in the Tambov region linked to weapons production.
“Ukraine’s plan for long-range strikes is being carried out exactly as needed to bring peace closer,” Zelensky said.
Videos released by Ukrainian authorities showed large explosions and thick smoke rising from some of the targeted sites, although the full extent of the damage could not be independently verified.
The attacks underline Ukraine’s growing use of long-range drones to strike military and energy facilities far from the battlefield. In recent months, Kyiv has intensified operations against Russian oil depots, industrial sites and military infrastructure.
Russia condemned the latest strikes, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warning that Moscow’s response would be “systemic in nature.”
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov also criticised the attacks during remarks at the economic forum, describing them as unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Russian officials said around 20,000 participants from more than 100 countries are expected to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to deliver a major address at the event later this week.
