Ukraine launched one of its largest drone operations against the St. Petersburg region, prompting Russian authorities to describe the assault as unprecedented. The attack coincided with the final day of Russia’s annual economic forum, a major event aimed at attracting international investors.
According to officials in the Leningrad region, Russian air defenses intercepted more than 140 drones during the operation. Regional Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko said the strikes triggered a fire at a military facility and led to the evacuation of nearby residents. He added that only minor damage was reported to surrounding buildings.
St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov urged residents to remain indoors, marking the first such advisory issued in the city since the start of the conflict more than four years ago.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces had targeted military infrastructure, including naval facilities in Kronstadt, a key base for Russia’s Baltic Fleet. He said the operation demonstrated Ukraine’s ability to strike strategic locations deep inside Russian territory.
Zelensky also reported that an oil storage facility in Russia’s Krasnodar region was hit during the operation. He described the attacks as a response to continued Russian military actions and renewed calls for an end to the war.
The latest strikes came shortly after previous drone attacks near St. Petersburg during the opening stages of the economic forum. The event attracted thousands of participants from around the world, including a small delegation from the United States.
Earlier this week, Zelensky publicly called for a ceasefire and direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He argued that delaying peace efforts would only prolong the conflict and increase instability.
Putin rejected the proposal during remarks at the economic forum, maintaining that a ceasefire would allow Ukraine to strengthen its military position. The Russian president reiterated that Moscow would continue military operations until its strategic objectives are achieved.
Russia continues to demand that Ukraine withdraw from the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, areas largely controlled by Russian forces. Moscow also insists that Ukraine abandon its ambitions of joining NATO.
Kyiv has repeatedly rejected those conditions, arguing that territorial concessions would encourage further aggression and undermine the country’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, authorities in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region announced new transportation restrictions following a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on logistical routes. Several coach services were suspended, while restrictions were also placed on commuter rail operations and organized transportation for children.
Russian-backed officials said the measures were introduced for security reasons as Ukrainian forces continue targeting supply networks supporting Russian military operations.
Military analysts report that Ukraine has intensified its campaign against Russian logistics in recent months. Since early May, numerous transport vehicles and fuel tankers have reportedly been damaged or destroyed in attacks aimed at disrupting supply chains.
Since the outbreak of the war, Ukraine has significantly expanded its domestic defense capabilities, particularly in drone technology. The country has increasingly used long-range drones to strike military, energy and industrial targets inside Russia.
While Ukraine says these operations are focused on weakening Russia’s military infrastructure, Moscow has accused Kyiv of carrying out attacks that endanger civilians.
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