Key facts
- Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on St. Petersburg.
- Over 140 drones were downed by Russian forces.
- No casualties or major infrastructure damage were immediately reported.
- Operations at Pulkovo Airport were suspended, causing flight delays and diversions.
- The attack occurred on the closing day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
- Ukrainian President Zelensky had suggested drones could visit the forum.
St. Petersburg experienced a significant Ukrainian drone attack on the final day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Leningrad Region Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko reported that over 140 drones were downed in the early hours of Saturday morning. While no casualties or major infrastructure damage were immediately reported, an air alert was declared, and operations at Pulkovo Airport were suspended, leading to flight delays and diversions. This strike followed another drone raid on the region on June 3, the opening day of the forum, which hosted participants from over 130 countries. The attack occurred shortly after Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky suggested in an open letter that drones might 'pay a visit' to SPIEF and called for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin responded on Friday, stating that negotiations are not currently sensible due to Zelensky's actions and the inappropriate tone of his message, while reiterating Russia's openness to talks if root causes are addressed. Russian officials have also questioned Zelensky's legitimacy following the expiration of his presidential term without a new election.