Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Russia Amid Economic Forum

Ukraine executed a substantial drone attack targeting points across Russia on the final day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Hundreds of drones, including many over the St. Petersburg region, were detected during the operation, leading authorities to momentarily order residents indoors and halt public transport.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took responsibility for the strikes, asserting that a Russian naval facility and military base had been targeted. He stated, "It's time to end this war. But the Russian leader wants to fight. Therefore Ukrainian 'sanctions' are working against this aggression," adding that any aggression towards Ukraine would face a proportional response.

Earlier in the forum, Ukrainian drones had also struck an oil complex and military base in St. Petersburg, indicating Kyiv's capability to bypass existing air defenses. Officials reported that more than 376 Ukrainian drones were identified over various regions, including a significant incident where a drone set an oil depot ablaze in Krasnodar.