ST. PETERSBURG – Web Desk: Black smoke rose from various areas of St. Petersburg following Ukrainian drone attacks, coinciding with the start of Russia’s major annual economic forum, which has attracted thousands of delegates from around the world.
According to international media reports, Ukraine targeted the St. Petersburg oil terminal and the Kronstadt naval base. Ukrainian officials claim that a Russian warship was also damaged in the attacks. St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed that multiple people were injured and some installations were damaged, though no fatalities have been reported.
Ukrainian President Zelensky described the attacks as a “fair response” to Russian bombing, warning that further actions could be taken if Russian attacks continue. Ukrainian officials indicated that disrupting the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum was also an objective of the attacks.
The three-day economic conference, once dubbed “Russian Davos,” expects over 20,000 participants from approximately 130 countries. Since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, the forum has become a symbol of Russia’s international isolation, with mostly representatives from allied countries attending. Notable participants this year include António Guterres and other global figures.
