Saint Petersburg in the headlines as Russia tightens internet control and NATO/Russia air tensions simmer around the Baltic. Russia’s second city, historically Petrograd/Leningrad, sits on the Neva.
Swedish authorities have seized two vessels suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which is used to evade sanctions and transport oil, gas, and stolen Ukrainian grain. The vessels, Sea Owl One and Caffa, were sailing under false flags and flagged concerns over safety and legality. The incidents underscore ongoing maritime sanctions enforcement.
Since early March 2026, Russia has imposed widespread mobile internet disruptions in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Leningrad region, restricting access to government-approved websites. These measures follow drone threat warnings and reflect ongoing wartime controls. Telecom operators report external orders to limit connectivity, with daily restrictions now affecting most regions nationwide.
Ilya Remeslo, a former Kremlin supporter and lawyer, publicly denounced Putin's policies in a Telegram manifesto, criticizing the war in Ukraine and corruption. He was hospitalized in St. Petersburg amid speculation about his mental state. His shift surprises both pro-war and opposition communities.
Russia has reaffirmed its strategic partnership with Iran during high-level meetings in Russia. Putin has committed to supporting Iran's interests and promoting peace in the region. The meetings follow Iran's efforts to negotiate peace and Russia's offers to mediate conflicts involving Iran, the US, and Israel. The ongoing diplomatic activity highlights Russia and Iran's close ties amid regional tensions.
NATO air-policing missions in the Baltic region have seen increased Russian aircraft activity. French Rafale fighters, along with jets from Sweden, Finland, Poland, Denmark, and Romania, have intercepted Russian Tu-22M3 bombers and fighters. Russian aircraft often fly without transponders or flight plans, prompting frequent NATO responses. The situation remains tense but controlled, with no direct conflict reported.
Moscow has been experiencing mobile internet outages and SMS restrictions amid security measures ahead of the Victory Day parade. The Kremlin argues outages are necessary to counter Ukrainian drone threats, while telecoms providers warn users to rely on Wi‑Fi and 4G. The parade itself has been scaled back for security reasons.
A wave of attacks across Ukraine and Russia continues as Kyiv demands direct ceasefire talks while both sides report strikes on civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy urges open dialogue as both sides confront ongoing drone and missile activity.
Ukraine has struck energy and military sites around St. Petersburg as the St. Petersburg Economic Forum opens, signalling high tensions. Moscow hosts international guests including Candace Owens and Steven Seagal, while US delegates push for improved ties even as sanctions persist.
Leaders have backed a proposal for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia with active Western participation to seek a ceasefire and negotiated settlement. Zelenskyy has urged face-to-face talks, while Moscow rejects meeting before a peace deal is reached. Attacks continue on both sides as negotiations stall.
Ukrainian long-range drones have struck St Petersburg this week, hitting an oil terminal and naval facilities and forcing authorities to tell residents to shelter indoors. Russian officials have said hundreds of drones were intercepted, while Kyiv has highlighted the roughly 1,000km range of its strikes. The attacks follow President Zelenskyy’s public offer to meet President Putin, which Putin has rejected.