Ukrainian drone attacks struck the St Petersburg area on the opening and closing days of Russia's International Economic Forum (SPIEF), casting a shadow over the high-profile event. The most striking visual was a large plume of thick black smoke seen over the city on Wednesday, which local officials acknowledged was the result of damaged infrastructure from drone strikes.

The attacks occurred as delegates arrived at the expo center on the outskirts of St Petersburg, providing an unavoidable backdrop to the forum's proceedings. This disruption coincided with a significant diplomatic move from Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelensky publishing an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In his letter, President Zelensky reportedly taunted Putin regarding his age and Russian military setbacks, while also proposing a meeting in a neutral country to discuss peace. However, President Putin dismissed the offer, criticizing the letter's tone and stating his focus remains on the soldiers at the front lines.

The drone attacks and the ensuing diplomatic exchange highlight the ongoing conflict's reach, even into Russia's significant economic and political gatherings. The events at SPIEF underscore the unpredictability of the war and its impact on Russia's international image and domestic stability.

President Putin's appearance at the forum's plenary session offered few surprises, presenting an image of strength and unwavering resolve. He projected confidence regarding the war and Russia's economic resilience, consistent with his public stance.

This year's SPIEF, intended as a platform to showcase Russia's economic stability and attract investment, was instead marked by the visible impact of the conflict. The drone strikes served as a stark reminder of Ukraine's capacity to project its defense capabilities deep into Russian territory.

The forum's proceedings, including speeches and discussions, were conducted against the backdrop of the drone activity, potentially influencing the perceptions of international attendees and the overall narrative of the event.

Further details on the specific infrastructure damaged and the precise targets of the drone attacks have not been fully disclosed by Russian authorities. The implications of these attacks for future economic engagement and security measures at such events remain a key question.