A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region on Saturday morning, local officials said, underscoring Kiev's growing ability to strike deep inside Russia.
A partial evacuation was announced in the Leningrad region after a fire broke out at military facilities, regional governor Alexander Drozdenko said Saturday, AP reported.
"This is a temporary measure. I expect residents to return to their homes within just a few hours. I ask for your understanding in this matter. The situation is under control," Drozdenko said in a statement posted on social media.
St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov advised local residents not to go outside and warned of possible disruptions in internet service.
Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 376 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Saturday's attack follows a Ukrainian drone strike that set fire to an oil terminal in the city and hit a nearby naval base on Wednesday, hours before the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
