On Wednesday, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on St Petersburg, targeting the city's oil port and naval facilities just hours before the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), which is hosted by President Vladimir Putin. The strikes ignited fires at the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, a vital export facility, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with thick black smoke engulfing the area. Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed that several people were injured but reported no fatalities. The attack occurred shortly before the forum, which gathers international delegates to discuss investment opportunities in Russia, despite ongoing sanctions due to the Ukraine conflict. Notably, Russian air defense systems failed to prevent the strikes, raising concerns about the effectiveness of their military capabilities. The attack also disrupted operations at Pulkovo Airport, leading to significant flight delays. As Putin prepares to attend the forum, his daughters are set to present earlier, highlighting the personal stakes amid the geopolitical tensions.