Ukrainian drones attacked energy and military targets in St. Petersburg on Wednesday as Russia hosts a major economic forum.
Officials said several infrastructure sites were damaged, although no deaths were reported.
What do we know about drone attacks on St. Petersburg?
Regional governor Alexander Beglov said “several” facilities on the outskirts of Russia’s second-largest city were affected.
Ukrainian officials said the attack was aimed at disrupting the high-profile gathering, long known as the “Davos of Russia,” which is expected to be attended by President Vladimir Putin as well as members of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party.
Reuters news agency quoted witnesses as saying that thick smoke was rising on the edge of the city after the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said drones had struck the St. Petersburg oil terminal and the Kronstadt military base in the city. He referred to Kiev’s term “long-range sanctions” for its direct attacks on Russian oil and gas infrastructure.
“Ukraine’s long-range sanctions plan is being implemented exactly as it is needed to bring peace,” Zelensky said, posting video of an oil depot fire on social media.
What impact has Ukraine’s latest attack had on Russia so far?
Governor Alexander Beglov said “many buildings have been damaged” and a clean-up operation was underway, without giving further details.
Authorities had warned residents and visitors about possible drone attacks via text message before the attacks.
Smoke was visible from the venue of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a major event hosted by President Putin, which runs until Saturday.
“The Petersburg Forum is opening with a nice plume of black smoke in the background after the Ukrainian attacks,” said Sergei Sternenko, an adviser to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.
Putin is scheduled to speak at an event in his home city of St. Petersburg on Friday.
The attacks came just ahead of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Kiev along with ambassadors from the alliance’s member states.
Edited by Natalie Muller
Don’t let algorithms hide news. If you rely on our team for reliable reporting, please take a moment Choose us as your preferred source on Google by clicking here And press the “Star” or “Favorite” button, so you always see our verified news first.