The St. Petersburg Economic Forum ended in fear as Ukrainian drones launched a massive attack on the Leningrad region in Russia. More than 140 drones were shot down over the greater Leningrad region, announced regional governor Alexander Drozdenko, while St. Petersburg governor Alexander Beglov called on residents to stay in their homes for the first time since the war began in February 2022. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that its air defense systems shot down a total of 376 drones during the night of June 6.
Russia: Covered over 1,000 kilometers
Zelensky stated that his forces hit Russian weapons arsenals and a naval base, describing the operation as a just response to Russian attacks. “Last night (June 5), our unmanned aircraft covered a distance of about 1,000 kilometers to the St. Petersburg region – to the enemy navy’s arsenals and a base in Kronstadt,” wrote the Ukrainian President on platform X. The attack notably “coincided” with Vladimir Putin’s statement that “there is no reason to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky.” The Russian President’s ghosting continued, following Zelensky’s requests to end the war.
“This letter contains some rather rude formulations. Was this a way to create conditions for a face-to-face meeting or a way to avoid this meeting? I think it was the latter,” said the Russian President. Asked if he would meet with Zelensky, Putin replied: “I don’t see the reason at present, we need viable peace agreements.”
It is time to end this war. But Russia’s ruler wants to keep fighting. That is why Ukrainian sanctions against this aggression are working. Last night, our drones covered a distance of about 1,000 kilometers to the St. Petersburg region – to the enemy navy’s arsenals and a base… pic.twitter.com/IkdN8UE3QD
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 6, 2026
The commander of one of the Ukrainian units that participated in the drone attacks told the BBC that it’s very easy to hit targets inside Russia. “We fly over Russia like it’s our own territory. Almost no resistance, it’s not difficult to reach a target,” said Yevhen Karas, commander of the 413th “Raid” Battalion of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces. Regional governor Drozdenko said the Ukrainian attacks caused a fire at an unnamed military facility and that area residents were evacuated as a precaution. He also added that some buildings suffered “minor” or “insignificant” damage.
