Ukraine launched an attack on an oil export terminal in St Petersburg just before President Vladimir Putin’s annual economic forum began. The assault aimed to embarrass the Kremlin chief and highlight Russia’s vulnerability.
The strike occurred as both sides intensified attacks on each other in a more than four-year conflict with no end in sight. Smoke from the historic city centre indicated damage at the oil terminal, while explosions were heard early Wednesday morning.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed his drones targeted the fuel terminal and a military facility near Russia’s second city. St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov reported unspecified infrastructure objects hit in three districts of the city.
Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko stated that air defenses shot down 59 drones overnight, causing Pulkovo airport to temporarily restrict flights and delay or cancel over 30 flights, according to local news outlets.