Ukraine has launched what Russian officials described as an “unprecedented” drone assault on St. Petersburg, striking military and energy-related targets deep inside Russian territory and demonstrating Kyiv’s growing long-range strike capability. Russian authorities reported large-scale air defense operations around the city as drones targeted facilities linked to Russia’s military infrastructure.
According to multiple reports, Ukrainian drones struck areas near a naval facility in Kronstadt and infrastructure connected to the city’s fuel and logistics network. The attack came as President Vladimir Putin hosted a major international economic forum in St. Petersburg, turning one of Russia’s most important showcase events into a security challenge. Flights were disrupted, emergency measures were activated, and residents were advised to remain indoors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended the operation as a response to continued Russian attacks on Ukraine, saying Kyiv will continue targeting military assets used in the war. Russia claimed hundreds of drones were intercepted across multiple regions, but officials acknowledged damage to infrastructure and military-related sites near the city.