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Russian air defence shot down 25 drones over Leningrad region near St Petersburg, Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko says combat operations continue during SPIEF.
Heavy smoke billows after Ukrainian drones hit infrastructure, according to local authorities, in St Petersburg, Russia June 3, 2026 (Reuters image used for representation)
Russian air defence systems intercepted 25 drones over the Leningrad region on Saturday, according to local authorities, as St Petersburg hosted Russia’s flagship economic forum.
The reported drone activity took place near Russia’s second-largest city, which is currently hosting the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), one of the country’s most important annual business and investment events.
Providing an update on the situation, Leningrad region Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko said air defence units were continuing operations in the area.
“Twenty-five UAVs have been shot down over Leningrad region. Combat operations are continuing,” Drozdenko wrote on Telegram.
The development comes just days after Ukrainian drones struck an oil complex and a military base in St Petersburg on Wednesday, the opening day of the economic forum.
SPIEF concludes on Saturday, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed participants at the event.
Drones Also Target Moscow
Russian authorities also reported drone activity near the capital. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defence units intercepted nine Ukrainian drones that were heading towards the city on Saturday.
No immediate details were provided on casualties or damage resulting from the attacks.
Drone Strikes Intensify
The latest incidents come amid a sharp increase in drone attacks by both Russia and Ukraine. The two sides have stepped up aerial strikes in recent months as diplomatic efforts led by the United States to bring an end to the war have failed to make significant progress.
The conflict, now in its fifth year, has continued despite repeated international attempts to secure a negotiated settlement, while attention has increasingly shifted to the ongoing crisis in the West Asia.
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Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can …Read More
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