Russian assets in St Petersburg targeted by Ukrainian military operations simultaneously with Davos.

Russian officials confirm that Ukrainian drones launched a surprise attack on the city of St Petersburg. This aerial assault took place mere hours prior to the commencement of the high-profile "Davos" conference in Russia.

In a bold move, Ukrainian military operations struck simultaneously at two strategic locations in St Petersburg: an oil terminal and a naval base where a warship was undergoing repairs, just as the Davos forum was about to begin.

St Petersburg, President Putin's hometown and the site of an elite economic conference, is being simultaneously targeted by Ukrainian military operations, mirroring a surge in reciprocal attacks between the two warring nations in their ongoing conflict now entering its fifth year.

In response to these attacks, Moscow asserts that its military will continue to target Ukraine with precision and regularity, adhering to a revised approach in the ongoing conflict.

In St Petersburg, a major Russian city with a population exceeding 5 million, unidentified infrastructure targets were struck in three distinct areas, according to Governor Alexander Beglov. Meanwhile, air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 59 incoming Ukrainian drones during the previous night, as reported by Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko.

Damage has occurred at multiple locations, prompting ongoing clean-up efforts. Injuries have been reported, but fortunately, no lives have been lost so far.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed Ukrainian drone strikes hit a St Petersburg fuel terminal, with another military target identified in Kronstadt, home to key Russian naval assets and significant shipbuilding infrastructure on an island nearby.

A video released by Ukraine depicts a drone hitting a Russian warship, the corvette Boiky, which was reportedly moored in a dry dock at Kronstadt. Verification efforts by confirmed the attack's location and the vessel's model, but the extent of damage to the ship and adjacent oil terminal remains unconfirmed.

Locals in St Petersburg captured footage of unidentified aerial vehicles, resembling Ukrainian aeroplane-style drones, soaring overhead while a massive fire engulfed the nearby export fuel terminal. The air was filled with the deafening sound of anti-aircraft fire as one drone continued its unimpeded flight.

Moscow's interests were at stake in St Petersburg during the high-profile event, prompting concerns within Russia about its air defence vulnerabilities, an issue Ukraine also faces. Despite robust security measures around the economic forum, there was no indication that Ukrainian drones breached the perimeter or posed a threat to attendees.

Grey smoke billowed over St Petersburg's historic heart, a stark sight visible to all who ventured out on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, correspondents were among those who reported hearing loud explosions that echoed through the city, a sound that would be shared by hundreds attending the forum.

Notable attendees at the event hail from Saudi Arabia, with notable figures such as Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in attendance.

A diverse assembly of Americans, featuring former Hollywood actor Steven Seagal and conservative commentator Candace Owens, is scheduled to participate. Rodney Mims Cook Jr., appointed by President Donald Trump as head of the Commission of Fine Arts managing the White House ballroom, will be the first U.S. government representative in attendance since 2018, as confirmed by the Kremlin.

Pulkovo airport in the city was forced to halt some flights due to a smoke plume, according to Russia's aviation regulator, causing over 30 flight disruptions.

A recent surge in Ukrainian drone activity forced a rare adjustment to the traditional format of the annual May 9 Red Square military parade in Moscow, which commemorates the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany. For the first time in several years, Russia opted not to showcase its military equipment at the event due to concerns about potential threats from Ukraine.

A diverse assembly of Americans,featuring former Hollywood actor Steven Seagal and conservative commentator Candace Owens, is scheduled to participate. Rodney Mims Cook Jr., appointed by President Donald Trump as head of the Commission of Fine Arts managing the White House ballroom, will be the first U.S. government representative in attendance since 2018, as confirmed by the Kremlin.