In a significant escalation, Ukraine launched extensive drone attacks targeting Russian military facilities, including a naval base near St. Petersburg, on Saturday. This action coincided with the final day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, often referred to as ‘Putin’s Davos.’
Drone Strikes and Their Impact
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukrainian drones traveled approximately 1,000 kilometers to reach the St. Petersburg region, specifically targeting the Russian navy’s arsenals and the Kronstadt naval base. The governor of St. Petersburg, Aleksandr Beglov, confirmed the attacks, reporting three injuries and advising residents to remain indoors due to potential disruptions in mobile internet services.
Zelensky also mentioned that Ukrainian long-range sanctions extended into the Krasnodar region, targeting an oil depot. Ukraine’s security service claimed that the depot is a crucial hub for supplying fuel to Russian troops in the southern and eastern sectors. Russian emergency services acknowledged a fire at the depot, leading to evacuations and deployment of firefighting equipment.
Wider Implications
These drone attacks are part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to target key Russian oil infrastructure, aiming to squeeze fuel supplies and increase economic pressure. The regional governor of Leningrad reported that 141 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were shot down over the region, with debris found in multiple areas. Efforts to extinguish a fire in Bolshaya Izhora, where over 600 people were evacuated, are ongoing.
Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces confirmed that several drones successfully hit targets at the Kronstadt naval base, causing fires on the base’s territory. The town of Kronstadt, home to several Russian naval facilities, was temporarily closed to traffic following the attacks.
Both Ukraine and Russia have been engaging in nightly drone exchanges, with Ukrainian drones increasingly effective in targeting Russian energy facilities and military bases. The Ukrainian military reported that Russia launched 272 drones overnight, with 249 intercepted, affecting 11 locations.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
