A Ukrainian drone attack on the outskirts of St. Petersburg produced thick grey smoke on the first day of Russia's annual economic forum, according to Reuters witnesses on Wednesday. The attack occurred overnight, targeting an oil terminal, as claimed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Alexander Beglov, the governor of St. Petersburg, confirmed that unspecified infrastructure objects were hit in three districts of the city.
Details of the Attack
Russia's air defense systems downed 50 drones over the Leningrad region northwest of Moscow overnight, according to Governor Alexander Drozdenko. The region, which hosts crucial energy export infrastructure and a major oil refinery, is also the venue for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, often referred to as Putin's 'Russian Davos.' The forum began on Wednesday and runs through Friday.
Impact on the Forum
The attack occurred just hours after a deadly Russian drone and missile strike on Kyiv, which Moscow described as retaliation for an attack on a dormitory in Kremlin-controlled Luhansk. Despite the incident, the forum is proceeding as scheduled. President Vladimir Putin is set to deliver his keynote speech on Friday, with attendance from the presidents of Uzbekistan and Tanzania, China's vice president, and Saudi Arabia's energy minister. Additionally, a prominent right-wing US influencer, a serving US official, and a German retail billionaire are expected to participate.
Security Measures and Flight Disruptions
In response to the attack, Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg temporarily restricted flights, as announced by Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia. Local news outlets reported that more than 30 flights were delayed or canceled. Governor Beglov stated that comprehensive safety measures have been implemented for the event, with law enforcement allocating personnel and equipment to ensure public safety and order.
Broader Context
Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian energy infrastructure to reduce Moscow's revenue. On Tuesday, a drone strike hit the Ilsky export oil refinery in southern Russia. Meanwhile, at least 20 drones heading to Moscow were downed overnight, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. In the Tambov region, outbuildings at an industrial facility in Michurinsk were damaged. The National Armed Forces of Latvia briefly issued an airspace violation threat near the Russian border before withdrawing it. In a separate incident, a Ukrainian drone attack killed seven and injured eleven in a Russian-controlled part of Ukraine's Donetsk region, hitting a passenger bus traveling between Moscow and Simferopol in occupied Crimea. Reuters could not independently verify all reports.
