Key facts
- Ukraine launched drone attacks on St. Petersburg.
- An oil terminal and a naval base were struck.
- The attacks occurred before President Vladimir Putin's economic forum.
- Governor Alexander Beglov reported damage to facilities and some injuries.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal and a naval base in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday morning. The attacks occurred just hours before President Vladimir Putin's annual economic forum, often referred to as 'Russia's Davos', was scheduled to begin. Governor Alexander Beglov stated that several facilities sustained damage and that some injuries were reported, though no fatalities occurred. The drone offensive represents a significant escalation of Ukrainian operations targeting Russian territory, including critical infrastructure in President Putin's hometown. The St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is set to host approximately 20,000 guests from 130 countries. The strikes followed a day of Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine that killed 23 people. Ukraine has been stepping up long-range strikes as the war grinds on, with Russia's northerly second city now hit. EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas commented that the strikes are causing "panic" for the Kremlin and that Moscow is lashing out at Kyiv with increased attacks.