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Ukraine unleashed a massive drone blitz on Russia’s largest fuel export hub in St. Petersburg Wednesday morning – sending a stinging blow to Vladimir Putin as he kicks off his ritzy annual economic forum.
The attack on Putin’s hometown – where the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is being held this week – left thick black smoke billowing into the sky after long-range drones slammed into the Petersburg Oil Terminal after Russian air defenses failed to stop them.
Ukraine also hit the Kronstadt naval base and shipyard in Leningrad Oblast, with footage released by Kyiv showing damage to Russian warships, including the Baltic Fleet corvette Boikiy.
“Important facilities on Russian territory were hit last night,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in an X post, adding that a weapons production facility in Tambov was also targeted.
“I thank our warriors for their precision. Ukraine’s plan for long-range sanctions is being implemented exactly as needed to bring peace closer. Glory to Ukraine!”
Unspecified “Infrastructure objects” in three districts within Russia’s second-largest city – home to more than 5 million people – also came under attack by Ukrainian drones, according to Governor Alexander Beglov.
Leningrad Governor Alexander Drozdenko said air defenses downed 59 Ukrainian drones overnight.
“Several facilities have been damaged,” Beglov said. “Clean-up operations are currently underway. Several people have been injured. There have been no fatalities.”
The humiliating strike to the Kremlin erupted just 10 miles from the glitzy venue where Putin is hosting his annual “Russia’s Davos” showcase, which saw high-profile guests arriving as blasts rang out and smoke flooded the air.
The flagship three-day summit draws about 20,000 guests, including business leaders and foreign delegates from more than 130 countries, and is used to promote investment projects and deals as the Kremlin tries to signal fiscal strength amid Western sanctions and the nearly four-year war.
Notable guests include Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, actor Steven Seagal and conservative podcaster Candace Owens.
Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chair of the US Commission of Fine Arts, is also set to attend – marking the first serving US official to do so since 2018.
Putin is expected to deliver the keynote speech on Friday at the forum, themed “Pragmatic dialogue – the path to a stable future.”
With Post wires.
English (US)