Russia repels drone attack over Leningrad region as economic forum kicks off
Drone Attacks and Economic Forum Developments
Overview of Drone Attacks in Leningrad Region
June 3 (Reuters) - Russia has downed 30 drones over the Leningrad region northwest of Moscow and continues to repel the attacks, Governor Alexander Drozdenko said, as a major annual economic forum was about to start.
Significance of the Leningrad Region and Economic Forum
Strategic Importance of the Region
The Leningrad region, home to crucial energy export infrastructure and a major oil refinery, is hosting its fifth wartime economic conference, President Vladimir Putin's "Russian Davos", in St. Petersburg from Wednesday.
Details of the Investment Forum
The investment forum, the fifth since Russia sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, opens just hours after a deadly drone and missile attack on Kyiv which Russia said was in response to a deadly attack on a dormitory in Russian-controlled Luhansk.
Impact on Transportation and Infrastructure
Flight Restrictions in St. Petersburg
In St. Petersburg, Russia's second-biggest city and Putin's hometown, Pulkovo airport was temporarily restricting flights, Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia said on the Telegram messaging app.
Recent Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Energy Infrastructure
Ukraine has recently stepped up attacks on Russian energy infrastructure as it tries to deprive Moscow from revenues. On Tuesday, it hit the Ilsky export oil refinery in Russia's south with drones.
Additional Drone Incidents Across Russia
Drone Attacks in Moscow and Tambov Region
Another 13 drones heading to Moscow were downed in the early hours of Wednesday, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram. In Russia's central Tambov region, outbuildings at an industrial facility in the city of Michurisk were damaged, governor said on Telegram.
Verification of Reports
Reuters could not independently verify all the reports.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Jekaterīna Golubkova in Tokyo; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Lincoln Feast.)
