Speaking at a briefing, Peskov commented on one of the largest drone attacks on St. Petersburg and recalled a Russian Foreign Ministry statement claiming that Russia’s response to such actions “will have, and already has, a systemic character.”
He also claimed that Russia’s so-called “special military operation,” as Moscow calls its unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, is allegedly continuing to prevent strikes on Russian regions.
Peskov said Putin is continuing preparations for his speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which runs from June 3 to June 6, despite the drone strikes on the city.
Attack on St. Petersburg on June 3 — what is known
Ukraine’s Defense Forces struck the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, military targets at the Kronstadt base and a military plant in Russia’s Tambov Oblast overnight and in the morning on June 3, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The attack was carried out by units of the SBU, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, Defense Intelligence and the State Border Guard Service, Zelenskyy said.
The St. Petersburg Oil Terminal is one of Russia’s largest terminals in the Baltic region, with dozens of tanks for storing and transshipping petroleum products. At least four fires were recorded at the terminal after the strike, according to the SBU.
Ukrainian drones also struck Russia’s naval base in Kronstadt, hitting two Russian ships, including the Boikiy patrol corvette.
The attack took place on the first day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, attended by a U.S. representative — Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chair of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts — as well as representatives from China and other countries.
Putin is expected to speak at the forum on June 5.