Ukraine carried out a drone attack near St Petersburg, Russia, only hours before the opening of a major international economic forum attended by guests from around the world. Russian officials said air defense systems shot down 59 drones overnight. Several districts around St Petersburg were affected, but no deaths were reported. The attack caused disruptions to mobile internet services, and Pulkovo Airport was temporarily closed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later confirmed that Ukrainian drones had targeted several sites inside Russia, including an oil terminal and a naval base in the town of Kronstadt, located near St Petersburg. Ukraine says such strikes are intended to reduce Russia's ability to continue the war. Kronstadt is an important base for Russia's Baltic Fleet. Ukrainian military sources claimed that a Russian naval ship may have been hit, although this has not been independently confirmed. The drone attack took place as Russia prepared to host the St Petersburg Economic Forum, a major event where President Vladimir Putin is expected to speak. The forum attracts business leaders and government representatives from many countries. Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the event was attended by many Western leaders and companies. This year, a smaller US delegation is expected to take part, along with several public figures. Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to target Russian energy facilities, military sites, and infrastructure. At the same time, Russia continues to launch missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing civilian casualties and damage. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains intense, with both sides continuing attacks far from the front lines.