Ukraine hits as ‘Putin’s Davos’ begins

Moscow was also targeted, with air defenses downing 13 drones approaching the capital, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram.

Separately, seven people were killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on a passenger bus in Russian-occupied territory within Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, said Denis Pushilin, the Kremlin-installed leader of the area.

The Ukrainian attacks came a day after Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine in months, killing at least 22 people and injuring more than a hundred across several major cities.

Russia had vowed more intense attacks and warned foreign diplomats to abandon Kyiv. In recent months Ukrainian attacks have been largely focused on Russia’s energy infrastructure in a bid to pressure Putin’s wartime economy.

Kyiv appeared to be sending its own message Wednesday, targeting the city hosting one of the Kremlin’s most important international events.

The economic forum in St. Petersburg brings together senior Russian officials, business leaders and foreign delegates each year and serves as a showcase for Putin’s efforts to project economic resilience despite the war and Western sanctions.

The Kremlin said Tuesday that a U.S. delegation would attend the event this week for the first time in many years. It will be led by Rodney Cook, chairman of the Commission of Fine Arts and the man who oversees President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom extension, the Kremlin said.

Right-wing influencer Candace Owens is also set to play a starring role.

This year’s special guest country is Saudi Arabia, with the Gulf power and U.S. ally sending a high-level business delegation, while other prominent guests include senior officials from the likes of Iran and China.