Ukrainian drone attacks target St Petersburg as Russia’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) opens, an event hosted by President Vladimir Putin that is often compared to “Russia’s Davos.” Multiple outlets report that drones strike in and around the city, with attention focused on energy and infrastructure sites, including an oil terminal and oil depots. BBC and The Guardian say several long-range drones hit oil storage facilities, with explosions and fires reported after Russian air defences attempt to intercept the incoming drones. France 24 and other outlets also describe damage to infrastructure and mention military and energy-related targets, including a warship on the Baltic coast in one account.
Officials cited by outlets describe varying casualty figures. France 24 and Egypt Independent report at least some injuries or fatalities in connection with strikes, while Free Malaysia Today and BreakingNews.ie report that no one was killed in one attack and that Russia plans to bolster air defences after the attacks. Reporting also notes the broader context of intensified Russian-Ukrainian drone warfare amid stalled diplomacy. Separately, Russian authorities say they intercept hundreds of drones, including near St Petersburg, during the forum period.
