A series of drone strikes hit the outskirts of St Petersburg on Thursday, local authorities confirmed, as the city prepared to host the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. The attacks, which targeted fuel storage facilities near the Pulkovo airport, caused no casualties but disrupted operations. The forum, a flagship event for showcasing Russian economic policy, proceeded under heightened security.
The incident underscores the persistent vulnerability of Russian infrastructure to such attacks, even in cities far from the front lines. Analysts note that while the economic impact is minimal, the symbolic damage is significant. The Kremlin has not commented directly, but state media framed the attacks as a desperate act by Ukraine.
The forum continues with a focus on import substitution and partnerships with non-Western economies.
