Lauge Risom Koch 
The Kremlin says Russia will continue its war in Ukraine after a major Ukrainian drone attack struck targets in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region during the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Vladimir Putin is expected to appear.
Russia has vowed to continue its military campaign in Ukraine after a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region on the opening day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
The strike came as Russian President Vladimir Putin was preparing to attend the high-profile event, one of the Kremlin’s flagship economic gatherings.
Kremlin reaction
According to Digi24, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s military operations in Ukraine are intended to prevent attacks on Russian territory.
“To prevent such attacks, the special military operation continues,” Peskov said while commenting on the drone raid.
He also warned that Moscow’s responses to similar attacks would be “systematic.”
The comments marked the Kremlin’s first public reaction following the overnight strike.
Targets hit
According to Digi24, citing Russian and Ukrainian reports, Ukrainian drones targeted several locations in the Leningrad region and St. Petersburg during the night of June 2-3.
Russian authorities said air defense systems intercepted 59 drones.
However, officials acknowledged impacts in several districts of St. Petersburg, including Kronstadt, Kirovsk and Krasnoselsky.
A fire also broke out at the strategically important St. Petersburg oil terminal after the attack, with Russian authorities reporting damage at the facility.
Forum under way
The attack coincided with the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which runs from June 3 to June 6.
According to Kremlin figures cited by Digi24, representatives from more than 100 countries were expected to attend the event.
The forum venue, Expoforum, is located approximately 17 kilometers from the oil terminal affected by the fire.
Reports indicated that a large column of smoke from the blaze was visible across parts of the city during the opening day of the gathering.
Ukraine’s response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that “important targets” had been struck inside Russia.
He noted that St. Petersburg is located roughly 1,100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and described the operation as part of Ukraine’s long-range strategy against Russian military and economic infrastructure.
“Our long-term sanctions plan is being implemented exactly as needed to bring peace closer,” Zelensky said.
Sources: Digi24
