Ukrainian drones targeted a military base and an oil complex in Saint Petersburg, coinciding with the commencement of the annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). This significant gathering, once regarded as “Russia’s Davos,” saw participation from around 20,000 attendees across 130 countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the drone strikes as “fair” retaliation for ongoing Russian assaults on Ukraine, which recently resulted in the deaths of 23 people.
In response to the drone attacks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that Russia would implement a “systemic” response. The strikes caused damage to several infrastructural facilities in Saint Petersburg, although city governor Alexander Beglov reported no fatalities, just injuries.
As the conference is set to feature President Vladimir Putin’s keynote address on Friday, the backdrop of black smoke rising from the city’s Kronstadt military base painted a stark picture for those in attendance. The drone strikes aimed to disrupt the forum, as Ukrainian officials noted. Smoke was visible during the initial sessions of SPIEF, leading one businesswoman, Valeria, to reflect on the ongoing threat of attacks, noting that living under such conditions had become a norm.
Additionally, while events unfolded in Saint Petersburg, further violence persisted in Ukraine. Ukrainian offensive actions resulted in a drone strike in Russian-occupied east Ukraine, killing at least seven, with further reports indicating civilian casualties in Russian regions bordering Ukraine. At least 10 fatalities were reported across Ukraine due to continued Russian bombardments.
Ukrainian military officials claimed responsibility for hitting the Saint Petersburg Oil Terminal and indicated that a Russian warship had been struck as well. The effects of the strikes were palpable, as Saint Petersburg’s main airport temporarily closed and numerous flights were delayed.
During a press conference in Kyiv with NATO chief Mark Rutte, Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine would continue to respond to Russian bombardments. Rutte noted Ukrainian success in neutralizing key Russian military capabilities, while Kaja Kallas, EU’s foreign affairs chief, suggested the Russian response reflected panic, indicating President Putin’s losses in both resources and momentum.
Once a platform for attracting Western investment, the SPIEF has now evolved into a portrayal of Russia’s growing isolation. Attendance this year primarily involved leaders from allied nations, with notable participation from presidents of Uzbekistan and Tanzania, as well as officials from countries like Cuba and Saudi Arabia.
Kremlin representatives described the forum as a meeting of “sovereign countries,” criticizing what they termed “globalist” opponents. Meanwhile, fringe Western figures, including right-wing personalities and controversial public figures, were invited, suggesting an attempt to bolster Russia’s narrative on the world stage.
The complexities and tensions underscored by the recent attacks and the unfolding economic forum reveal an ever-evolving situation marked by military aggression and international diplomacy.
