Ukraine struck St. Petersburg early Wednesday with long-range drones targeting oil storage facilities and military sites as Putin's annual economic forum opened. Several drones hit their targets after Russian air defenses attempted unsuccessfully to intercept them, causing explosions and sending black smoke across the city from burning oil terminals.
The timing of the attacks coincided with the arrival of international guests for the flagship economic event, where Putin is scheduled to speak on Friday. President Zelensky said Ukrainian forces had targeted a navy base and oil terminal in the region that includes Russia's second-largest city.