Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes on St Petersburg on the final day of the city's international economic forum, prompting temporary flight suspensions at Pulkovo Airport and activation of air defences. Officials urged residents to stay home and warned of possible mobile internet outages. Authorities reported having shot down 141 drones and said fires and strikes were also recorded in Kronstadt, the Leningrad Region, Krasnodar and Mariupol.
Drone Strikes Hit St Petersburg on Final Day of International Economic Forum
FILE PHOTO: Thick black smoke and flames rise over the St Petersburg Oil Terminal, following a massive overnight Ukrainian drone attack. (is associated with: «Ukraine fires drones at St Petersburg on last day of economic forum») Ulf Mauder/dpa
Ukrainian forces carried out a series of drone strikes on St Petersburg on the final day of the city's international economic forum, officials said. Authorities reported that air defences were activated across the region and that some flights at Pulkovo Airport were temporarily suspended early in the morning because of the security threat.
On the forum's opening day, an attack on an oil refinery sent black plumes of smoke over the old town — a UNESCO World Heritage area — raising concerns about damage to historic districts.
Governor Alexander Beglov posted on Telegram that, "in accordance with the recommendations of the Operational Headquarters," residents should remain at home and avoid the streets; he also warned of likely disruptions to mobile internet services. In the surrounding Leningrad Region, Governor Alexander Drozdenko said air defences had shot down 141 drones.
Wider Impact and Reports
Authorities said the strikes ignited several fires and that attacks were reported in Kronstadt, the Baltic Sea port used by the Russian navy. Additional reports of drone incidents came from the Krasnodar Region in the south and from other parts of Russia. Officials also reported effects in Mariupol in the Donetsk Region, which Moscow has annexed.
Note: Details in fast-moving situations can change as officials update assessments; the above reflects statements issued by local authorities.
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