Ukrainian drone strikes target St Petersburg infrastructure during economic forum

On Wednesday morning, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted infrastructure in St Petersburg, coinciding with the opening of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces struck a major oil terminal and military facilities as part of a strategy to reduce Russian military capacity. St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov and Leningrad region Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported that air defense systems intercepted dozens of drones, including 59 in the wider region. While local authorities confirmed damage to infrastructure in three districts, no casualties were reported. The incident caused temporary flight restrictions at Pulkovo Airport, leading to the delay or cancellation of more than 30 flights. Organizers stated that the economic forum, which hosts approximately 20,000 participants from 130 countries, continued with heightened security measures in place. Official reports from Russia and Ukraine differ on the total number of drones involved, though both confirm the occurrence of the strikes.