Ukrainian Drones Strike Putin's Hometown; St. Petersburg Residents Urged to Stay Indoors

Russian authorities claimed to have intercepted 86 Ukrainian drones over the Leningrad region, an area surrounding St. Petersburg, which was hosting a major investment forum. The governor of the region, Alexander Drozdenko, announced the drone downings on Telegram, stating that "combat operations are continuing."

Residents of St. Petersburg were advised by city governor Alexander Beglov to remain indoors. Pulkovo International Airport, located south of the city, temporarily halted flights without providing a specific reason. This comes as the city hosts the International Economic Forum, often referred to as "Russian Davos."

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Eighty-six drones were shot down over the Leningrad region. Combat operations are continuing.

Earlier in the week, during the forum's opening, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck a nearby oil facility and a military site. Thick black smoke was observed rising from the Kronstadt Marine Plant and Naval Base. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported intercepting a total of 376 Ukrainian drones overnight, with Moscow's mayor stating eight were downed en route to the capital.

Ukraine has recently intensified drone attacks on Russian territory and occupied areas as retaliation for Russia's daily bombardments of Ukrainian territory. A separate drone attack in Russia's Krasnodar region caused a fire at a fuel depot covering approximately 5,000 square meters.

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I call on the residents of St. Petersburg to stay at home and not go outside.