Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg as Putin's flagship economic forum opens

Kronstadt is the main outpost of the Russian Navy's Baltic Fleet. Unverified videos posted on social media by Ukrainian military figures showed drones heading for docked military ships, with the video cutting off before impact. Robert Brovdi, the commander of Ukraine's unmanned systems, said on Telegram that the corvette Boikiy was struck. The St Petersburg Economic Forum - once dubbed the "Russian Davos" - is a flagship event on the Russian political agenda. Until Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it used to be attended by high-profile Western delegations, including CEOs and heads of state. ReutersBlack smoke from a burning oil terminal could be seen billowing over central St PetersburgThis year, for the first time in nearly a decade, a low-key US delegation is also due to participate in the forum. It is led by the head of the US Commission of Fine Arts Rodney Mims Cook Jr, the official who has been overseeing President Donald Trump's ballroom project at the White House. US right-wing commentator Candace Owens and Putin-backing US actor Steven Seagal are also due to attend.In a tongue-in-cheek post on X, Denys Shtilierman of Ukrainian defence company Fire Point said: "Due to such distinguished guests and the importance of the event itself, we couldn't ignore it - and urgently flew to [St Petersburg]."