Russian authorities reported repelling drone attacks in the Leningrad region near St Petersburg as President Vladimir Putin hosted an international economic forum in the city. The attacks occurred as Russia's annual economic showcase event was taking place, drawing comparisons to the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Separately, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted what officials described as an oil facility in the St Petersburg area. Russian air defense systems were activated to counter the incoming drones, though specific details about damage or casualties from these attacks were not immediately confirmed by independent sources.

In a related incident in Russian-controlled territory, seven people were killed when a drone struck a bus traveling between Moscow and Simferopol in occupied Crimea, according to Russian officials. The bus was reportedly carrying passengers along the route connecting the Russian capital to the annexed peninsula.

The drone attacks coincided with Russia's premier economic gathering in St Petersburg, an annual event that serves as Moscow's answer to international business forums. The timing of the Ukrainian operations appeared designed to demonstrate Kyiv's ability to project force into Russian territory, including areas close to major population centers.

The incidents highlight the ongoing expansion of the conflict beyond Ukraine's borders, with both sides increasingly targeting infrastructure and military assets in each other's territory. The attacks near St Petersburg represent some of the closest strikes to Russia's second-largest city since the conflict began.