Russian authorities have reported an 'unprecedented' attack by Ukraine on St. Petersburg and its surrounding areas, coinciding with the final day of Russia's annual economic forum in the city.

Leningrad region governor Aleksandr Drozdenko stated that over 140 drones were shot down. St. Petersburg governor Alexander Beglov urged residents to stay indoors for the first time since the war began.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that his forces struck Russian arsenals and a naval base, calling it a just response to Russian attacks. The strikes targeted facilities in the St. Petersburg region and an oil depot in Krasnodar.

The attack comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the forum, rejecting calls for direct talks with Zelensky. Putin reiterated that peace talks would only begin after Russia's goals are met, including Ukrainian withdrawal from four occupied regions and abandoning NATO aspirations.

Zelensky posted on social media, saying it is 'time to end this war' but accusing Putin of wanting to 'keep fighting.' He revealed that Ukrainian drones traveled 1,000 km to reach the St. Petersburg region, hitting 'enemy navy arsenals and a base in Kronstadt.'

This follows an open letter from Zelensky proposing face-to-face negotiations with Putin. In occupied Luhansk, Moscow-installed authorities suspended bus services on two highways due to Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian logistics, also banning commuter trains and transport of children.

Source: www.bbc.com