Ukraine drones hit Saint Petersburg as economic forum starts
DW • • general
Key Points:
- Ukrainian drones targeted energy and military infrastructure in Saint Petersburg on Wednesday, causing damage but no reported casualties, coinciding with Russia's major economic forum.
- Regional governor Alexander Beglov confirmed several facilities on the city's outskirts were hit, including the Saint Petersburg Oil Terminal and the Kronstadt military base, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- The attack aimed to disrupt the high-profile Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, which President Vladimir Putin and members of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party were expected to attend.
- Smoke from the strikes was visible near the forum venue, with authorities having warned residents and visitors of potential drone attacks beforehand.
- The strikes occurred just before NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's visit to Kyiv, highlighting ongoing tensions amid the conflict.