KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces launched large-scale drone strikes deep into Russian territory overnight on Friday to Saturday, targeting military and infrastructure sites near St. Petersburg, authorities in both countries said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the operation, stating that drones traveled approximately 1,000 kilometers to hit naval arsenals and a base in Kronstadt in the St. Petersburg region, as well as an oil depot in Russia's southern Krasnodar region.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported that its air defenses intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones during the attack, describing it as unprecedented in scale near St. Petersburg. Residents of the city were instructed to remain indoors on Saturday morning, officials said.
The strikes occurred as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum concluded, an event attended by international delegates and addressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian officials reported minor damage and small fires at some sites, with no immediate confirmation of fatalities from the latest barrage.
Zelenskyy described the attacks as targeting assets supporting Russia's military efforts. “Last night, our drones covered a distance of about 1,000 kilometers to the St. Petersburg region — to the enemy navy’s arsenals and a base in Kronstadt,” he wrote on X.
Russian authorities said air defenses downed more than 300 drones across multiple regions. Local officials in affected areas reported some injuries and infrastructure damage, though precise casualty figures from the Ukrainian strikes remained unclear as of Saturday.
The operation underscores Ukraine's increasing use of long-range drones to reach targets far inside Russia. Kyiv has ramped up such attacks in recent months, focusing on military, energy and logistical facilities.
Russia has conducted its own large-scale strikes on Ukrainian cities in response, with recent barrages causing civilian casualties. Both sides have reported intensified aerial campaigns as the conflict continues.
The Kremlin has vowed to strengthen defenses against the growing threat from Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian officials have not detailed the full scope of targets hit or weapons used beyond confirming the strikes.
Investigations into the damage and any further retaliatory actions were ongoing on both sides as of Saturday. Details on the exact impact of the strikes in St. Petersburg and other regions continued to emerge.
