Russia Downs Drones Near St Petersburg Ahead of Forum

Russia said it had downed dozens of Ukrainian drones over the Leningrad region, where a major economic forum known as Russia’s Davos is due to open in St Petersburg.

Leningrad Governor Alexander Drozdenko said air defenses had destroyed at least 50 drones overnight and that efforts to repel the attacks were continuing on Wednesday. Temporary flight restrictions were imposed at Pulkovo airport in St Petersburg, where more than 30 flights were reportedly delayed or canceled.

The region is home to important energy export infrastructure and a major oil refinery. It is also hosting the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is due to be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and several foreign officials.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at least 20 drones heading towards the Russian capital had also been shot down overnight.

Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in recent weeks as it seeks to deprive Moscow of export revenues. On Tuesday, drones hit the Ilsky oil refinery in southern Russia.

The incidents came hours after Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Kyiv. Moscow said the strikes were in response to an attack on a dormitory in Kremlin-controlled Luhansk.

(reuters, mja)