Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on St. Petersburg on Saturday, targeting Russian naval facilities in what officials described as a retaliatory strike. The attack came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for direct peace negotiations.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Ukraine's military confirmed it conducted the drone strikes, which hit arsenals and a naval base in Kronstadt, part of Russia's Baltic Fleet. Russian authorities reported shooting down over 376 drones, with regional officials stating 141 were intercepted in the Leningrad region. No immediate casualties were reported, though fires and minor damage occurred at unspecified military sites.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background on the Strikes
The attack followed a previous strike on Wednesday that damaged an oil terminal and a naval corvette in St. Petersburg, coinciding with the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Zelensky framed the strikes as a response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory, calling them "long-range sanctions."
Political Context
Zelensky had proposed face-to-face talks with Putin to end the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Putin rejected the offer, stating there was "no point" in meeting. Zelensky criticized Putin's stance, accusing him of wanting to prolong the conflict.
Russian Response
Putin pledged to strengthen Russia's air defenses in response to the drone attacks, which have increasingly targeted deep within Russian territory. The strikes have disrupted daily life in St. Petersburg, with authorities advising residents to stay indoors and warning of potential disruptions to mobile services.
International Reactions
The forum, designed to attract foreign investment, drew delegates from 130 countries, including a low-key U.S. delegation. The attacks overshadowed the event, with smoke from the oil terminal fire visible over the city. Some attendees, including actor Steven Seagal and influencer Andrew Tate, were present during the strikes.
Human Impact
Residents in St. Petersburg expressed fear and anger, with some describing the attacks as a "taste of their own medicine." Meanwhile, Russian strikes in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region killed one person and wounded three others overnight.