Ukraine launched drone attacks on the outskirts of St Petersburg early on Wednesday, hours before the opening of Russia’s flagship economic forum, an event aimed at showcasing the country to international investors.
Get today's headlines by email 
As daybreak approached, large columns of smoke were seen rising over areas near Russia’s second-largest city. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to address the forum on Friday, while organisers say thousands of participants from more than 130 countries will attend.
Air Defences Activated
Russian officials said air defence systems intercepted 59 drones overnight. Authorities reported that three districts in and around St Petersburg were affected by the attacks, although no fatalities were recorded.
The strikes disrupted daily activity in the region. Mobile internet services were affected, and operations at St Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport were briefly suspended. Air raid alerts were also reported in parts of neighbouring Latvia and Estonia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would respond to the attacks, describing any future action as part of a broader and systematic approach.
Claims of Hits on Military and Energy Sites
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later confirmed that Ukrainian drones had targeted several locations inside Russia, including an oil terminal and a naval facility in Kronstadt, a town near St Petersburg.
In a social media post, Zelensky said Ukraine’s campaign of long-range strikes was progressing as planned and aimed at bringing peace closer.
Kronstadt serves as the main base of Russia’s Baltic Fleet. Videos circulating online, which could not be independently verified, appeared to show drones flying toward military vessels docked in the area. The footage ended before any impact could be seen.
Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s unmanned systems forces, said on Telegram that the Russian corvette Boikiy had been hit during the operation.
Forum Draws International Guests
The attacks took place as St Petersburg prepared to host its annual economic forum, often referred to in the past as the “Russian Davos”.
Before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the event regularly attracted senior Western political figures, business leaders and international investors.
This year’s gathering is expected to include a small US delegation for the first time in nearly ten years. The group is being led by Rodney Mims Cook Jr, head of the US Commission of Fine Arts, who has overseen President Donald Trump’s ballroom project at the White House.
Among other attendees expected at the forum are US commentator Candace Owens and actor Steven Seagal, who has publicly expressed support for Putin.
A Ukrainian defence industry figure, Denys Shtilierman of Fire Point, appeared to reference the timing of the strikes in a post on X, sharing footage of drones and smoke near the city.
War Continues on Multiple Fronts
Since the start of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine has significantly expanded its domestic defence industry and increased its ability to conduct long-range drone operations inside Russian territory. Kyiv has frequently targeted energy and oil facilities, arguing they support Russia’s military campaign.
Meanwhile, fighting continues to cause casualties on both sides.
A Moscow-backed official in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region said seven people were killed on Wednesday when a drone struck a passenger bus.
Russia has also continued its attacks across Ukraine. On Monday night, combined missile and drone strikes killed at least 22 people in various parts of the country.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 June 2026