Drone Strike Targets St. Petersburg During Major Economic Forum
According to reports, authorities stated that more than 140 drones were intercepted during the early hours of Saturday morning over the Leningrad region. Officials said no fatalities or significant damage to key infrastructure had been recorded at the time of reporting.
Regional governor Aleksandr Drozdenko announced that air defense systems were activated overnight, and residents were instructed to remain indoors while the situation was under control. Operations at Pulkovo Airport were temporarily halted, resulting in flight delays and the diversion of multiple aircraft to alternative airports.
The incident comes shortly after another drone assault on the same region on June 3, which occurred on the opening day of the forum. This year’s event reportedly brought together participants from more than 130 countries.
The latest strike also follows recent political tensions, including an open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which he suggested that many Ukrainians would support drone activity directed toward the forum and urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in direct talks.
In response, Putin stated that there is currently no point in holding a meeting, arguing that Zelensky’s actions have undermined the possibility of meaningful negotiations. He also criticized the tone of the communication, describing it as inappropriate.
Despite this, Russian officials reiterated that negotiations remain possible, but only under conditions that address what they describe as the underlying causes of the conflict. They also continue to question the legitimacy of Zelensky’s presidency, citing the expiration of his term in May 2024 without the holding of new elections.
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