Russia has accused Ukraine of launching an “unprecedented attack” on St Petersburg and surrounding areas, as the city hosted the final day of a major economic forum.
Regional governor Aleksandr Drozdenko said more than 140 drones were intercepted over the Leningrad region, while city governor Alexander Beglov urged residents to remain indoors for the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his forces targeted Russian military infrastructure, including naval facilities and ammunition depots, describing the strikes as a justified response to ongoing Russian attacks.
The Ukrainian leader also claimed drones travelled up to 1,000km to reach St Petersburg, with additional strikes reported on a naval base in Kronstadt and an oil depot in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region.
In response, Russia’s defence ministry said its air defence systems had intercepted or destroyed 339 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions since Saturday morning.
Authorities in St Petersburg reported a fire at a military facility and minor damage to buildings, while evacuations were carried out in affected areas.
Ukraine also accused Russia of attacking civilian search-and-rescue vessels in the Black Sea, leaving several people injured, although Moscow has not commented on the claim.
The escalation comes amid heightened tensions following failed calls for a ceasefire, with both Moscow and Kyiv maintaining opposing positions on negotiations and territorial control.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ruled out talks with Zelensky, insisting any ceasefire would only allow Ukraine to regroup, while Kyiv continues to reject any territorial concessions.
The latest exchange of attacks underscores the continued intensity of the conflict as both sides escalate drone and missile operations deep into each other’s territories.
