Ukraine has carried out a drone strike on the outskirts of Russia’s St Petersburg, just hours before the start of a major economic forum aimed at attracting foreign investment. Russian authorities said, air defence systems shot down 59 drones overnight, with three districts of St Petersburg affected by the attack.

 

No casualties were reported. The strike caused mobile internet disruptions and led to the temporary closure of Pulkovo Airport. Air raid alerts were also issued in parts of neighbouring Latvia and Estonia.

 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would respond to the attack. The incident comes ahead of the economic forum where Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to speak on Friday. Thousands of delegates from 130 countries, including a US delegation, are expected to attend.