Massive drone attack targets Russia near St. Petersburg during economic forum

Russia's air defense systems intercepted a significant number of Ukrainian drones overnight, with authorities reporting a total of 376 drones neutralized across the country. A substantial portion, 86 drones, were downed in the Leningrad region, near St. Petersburg, coinciding with the ongoing International Economic Forum.

"Eighty-six drones were shot down over the Leningrad region. Combat operations are ongoing. St. Petersburg was the target of a large-scale attack by military drones," stated Aleksandr Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad region, as reported by Mediafax. The governor of St. Petersburg, Aleksandr Beglov, urged residents to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel due to the "large-scale drone attack." In response to the aerial activity, the city's airport temporarily suspended flights.

“

Eighty-six drones were shot down over the Leningrad region. Combat operations are ongoing. St. Petersburg was the target of a large-scale attack by military drones.

These attacks occurred during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, often referred to as the "Russian Davos." Days earlier, Ukrainian drones had struck an oil facility and a military target near the city during the forum's opening. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the nationwide interception of 376 drones, while Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported eight drones were downed en route to the capital.

In the Krasnodar region, a drone attack ignited a fire at a fuel depot in Ust-Labinsk, engulfing approximately 5,000 square meters. Port infrastructure in occupied Mariupol was also affected, with thick black smoke seen rising above the port. These incidents follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent proposal for peace talks, which Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly dismissed, with Zelenskyy stating Putin "chooses war."

“

chooses war