On Saturday, Ukraine executed drone strikes targeting areas near St. Petersburg, Russia, marking the second such incident this week. This occurred while the city hosted the final day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier called for direct negotiations with Putin and a comprehensive ceasefire, a proposal that Putin dismissed during his keynote address at the forum, stating, "I do not yet see the point" when asked about a potential meeting with Zelensky.
Ukraine reported that the strikes aimed at military and energy infrastructure located hundreds of miles from the front lines. Zelensky indicated that Ukrainian drones traveled approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) to target Russian naval arsenals and a military base in Kronstadt, as well as conducting separate long-range attacks on an oil depot in the Krasnodar region of Russia.
Zelensky emphasized the need for Russia to cease its military actions, stating, "any manifestation of injustice against Ukraine will receive a just response." Additionally, Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, remarked that Putin's refusal to engage in direct talks highlighted Moscow's weakening position, suggesting that Putin missed an opportunity to exit the conflict.
During the forum, Putin also made comments regarding Zelensky's public image, referencing former U.S. President Donald Trump's influence on Zelensky's appearance, and thanked Trump for his criticism, noting it had been "certainly useful."
