St. Petersburg faces new pressure as Ukraine targets energy links; a historic port city at the heart of Russia's economy and diplomacy.
The UK, France and Germany are coordinating support for Ukraine as Zelenskiy meets British, French and German leaders in London. Kyiv’s strikes inside Russia target St. Petersburg, reflecting growing Ukrainian capability. Putin rejects talks, while Ukraine vows to continue its deep strikes and Kyiv signals optimism about future military and diplomatic pressure.
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.
Zelensky has publicly urged direct talks with Putin to end the war, proposing a Swiss-style leaders’ meeting and cease-fire, while Putin has said there is no point in meeting and emphasised long-term agreements.
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.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
Ukraine has launched long-range drone strikes that hit a fuel terminal in St. Petersburg and a military facility, with smoke rising over the port. Putin attends the St. Petersburg forum as tensions escalate and oil facilities target Moscow’s war effort.
Ukrainian drones have targeted St. Petersburg, with authorities saying hundreds were intercepted and a naval base and oil terminal were struck this week. Russian officials have urged residents to shelter indoors, while President Zelensky has highlighted the distance of the strikes. The attacks come ahead ofRussia’s forum in St. Petersburg and amid ongoing talks and refusals of direct meetings between Moscow and Kyiv.