Russia drafts reservists as drone war hits St Petersburg

Russia is scrambling to defend its second city as Ukrainian drone strikes push deep into its territory. Authorities around St Petersburg are now calling up reservists to protect critical infrastructure, signalling growing pressure on the Kremlin’s northern flank. The threat is no longer distant — it is hitting strategic hubs close to home.

Emergency Call-Up to Shield Key Sites

Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed plans to deploy additional air defence teams across the Leningrad region. Reservists with military experience are being urged to sign three-year contracts, with mandatory barracks service lasting between two and six months.

The move will see mobile defence units stationed at companies and vital infrastructure sites. It reflects mounting concern over repeated Ukrainian drone incursions targeting high-value assets.

Drone Threat Forces Strategic Shift

The region — bordering Finland and Estonia — has become increasingly exposed. Ukrainian strikes have repeatedly hit oil facilities, including major Baltic ports and the Kirishi refinery, all crucial to Russia’s war effort.

Even civilian operations have been disrupted. Flights at St Petersburg Airport have been halted multiple times as drones approached, underlining the widening reach of the conflict.

Reservist Model Accelerated Under Pressure

The mobilisation builds on earlier steps taken by Moscow. A reservist air defence unit was first deployed in the region last year, with legislation rushed through parliament to formalise the system.

Now, authorities are scaling up rapidly. The goal is clear: plug gaps in air defences and protect infrastructure up to 1,000 kilometres from the front line.

War Reaches Deep into Russian Territory

Ukraine’s strategy is increasingly focused on striking economic and logistical targets inside Russia. Backed by Western support, Kyiv is aiming to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain its war effort.

For residents in the Leningrad region, the impact is immediate. What was once a distant conflict is now a daily security concern — with air raid alerts, disrupted travel and a visible military presence becoming part of life.

Russia seeks reservists to defend St Petersburg region from drones