Ukraine launched a significant drone barrage targeting St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, hitting a defense ministry facility and oil depots. Russia reported shooting down 144 drones, with operations at Pulkovo Airport temporarily disrupted. President Zelenskyy confirmed strikes targeting Russian navy arsenals, occurring hours after President Putin rejected peace talks.
The drone attacks on St. Petersburg represent a significant escalation in the conflict, bringing the war directly to a major Russian city and a key economic hub, potentially impacting investor sentiment and Russia's ability to conduct naval operations.
Ukraine launched a significant drone barrage targeting St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region on Saturday, coinciding with the final day of a major investment forum. The strikes hit a defense ministry facility, a naval base in Kronstadt, and oil depots in Lomonosov and the Krasnodar region. Russian Governor Alexander Drozdenko described the assault as 'unprecedented,' with 144 drones reportedly shot down. Operations at Pulkovo Airport, Russia's second-largest commercial airport, were temporarily disrupted. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the strikes, stating they targeted Russian navy arsenals. This escalation occurred hours after President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, rejected a proposal for peace talks with Kyiv. Russia continued its own attacks on Ukraine, with regional authorities reporting at least 12 civilian deaths and over 70 injuries nationwide in the preceding day.