During the night of August 24, Russian air defense forces shot down 95 Ukrainian drones over several regions, according to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The UAVs were intercepted and destroyed over the territories of Bryansk, Tver, Kaluga, Oryol, Tambov, Novgorod, Belgorod, Rostov, Kursk, Smolensk, and Samara regions, as well as the Republic of Crimea and the Republic of Tatarstan, the statement said.

Several drones were shot down by Russian air defense over Leningrad Region. Attacks on the region began from the middle of Saturday, August 23. The first UAV was downed in the Tosnensky district. Later, more were intercepted and destroyed there.

Between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, one of the drones reached the vicinity of St. Petersburg but was suppressed. The residential complex “Lights of the Bay” was affected, where windows in one of the apartments were shattered.

Attacks on Leningrad Region continued through the night. For instance, 10 drones were shot down over the port of Ust-Luga. Falling debris caused a fire at the “NOVATEK” terminal in the port. Later, two more Ukrainian UAVs were shot down over the Kingisepp district.

All this time, Pulkovo Airport operated with restrictions. Around 10:00 AM, it announced the resumption of flight services.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a historic Russian city founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great as his “window to the West.” It served as the imperial capital of Russia for more than two centuries and is renowned for its grand Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, including the Winter Palace and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The city’s vast network of canals and elegant bridges has earned it the nickname “Venice of the North.”

Lights of the Bay

“Lights of the Bay” is a public art installation in San Francisco, California, featuring a collection of illuminated sculptures along the Embarcadero. It was created in the late 20th century to celebrate the city’s maritime history and to beautify the waterfront. The installation consists of dozens of light towers that create a stunning visual display against the backdrop of the Bay Bridge at night.

Ust-Luga

Ust-Luga is a major seaport and transport hub on the Luga River in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast. It was established as a settlement in the late 20th century, with its modern port facilities being constructed and expanded significantly in the post-Soviet era. Today, it is one of the largest and most important commercial ports in Russia, primarily handling bulk cargo like coal, oil products, and containers.

NOVATEK terminal

The Novatek terminal refers to the Yamal LNG facility in Sabetta, Russia, a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant and port on the Yamal Peninsula. It was developed by the Russian company Novatek and began operations in 2017, designed to extract and export natural gas from the vast South Tambey field. The project represents a significant industrial achievement, built to operate in the extreme Arctic climate.

Pulkovo Airport

Pulkovo Airport is the main international airport serving Saint Petersburg, Russia, originally opened in 1931 as Shosseynaya Airport. It was heavily damaged during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II but was rebuilt and renamed in 1973 in honor of the nearby Pulkovo Heights. Today, it is a major hub in Northwestern Russia, consisting of three passenger terminals.

Tosnensky district

The Tosnensky district is a historical region in Leningrad Oblast, Russia, whose development was heavily influenced by its position on the vital trade route between Moscow and Novgorod. It is perhaps best known for the 18th-century estate museum “Sablino,” which features historic caves and served as an important quarry for the construction of St. Petersburg.

Kingisepp district

The Kingisepp district is located in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast and is named after the Estonian communist Viktor Kingisepp. Its history is deeply tied to the ancient fortress town of Yamburg (now Kingisepp), founded in the 14th century, and it was a significant area of conflict during World War II. The region is also known for its diverse natural landscapes, including the Luga River.

Republic of Crimea

The Republic of Crimea is a peninsula on the northern coast of the Black Sea that was annexed by the Russian Federation from Ukraine in 2014, a move that is not recognized by a majority of UN member states. Historically, it has been home to various civilizations, including the ancient Greek colony of Chersonesus and the Crimean Khanate, before becoming part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century.