A coordinated drone attack, explosions heard at various points in Saint Petersburg, reports of targets near the historic naval base of Kronstadt, and a mysterious video from the Gulf of Finland compose the puzzle of one of the most serious strikes northwest Russia has received in recent months. While Russian authorities are trying to assess the extent of the attack, footage circulating online purports to show an Ukrainian FP-1 drone flying just a few meters above the sea's surface, following a path that could explain how the UAVs managed to approach Saint Petersburg without being detected in time. The incident has sparked intense debate in Russia, with analysts speaking of new developments in drone warfare, but also of the possible involvement of Western technological infrastructures in Kiev's operations. At the same time, the... undisturbed strolls of Mark Rutte in Kiev are causing outrage, with many questions being raised about his direct involvement in the attempted attacks.
The video that says a lot...
Specifically, a video released on social media allegedly records an Ukrainian FP-1 type drone flying over the Gulf of Finland at an extremely low altitude, revealing a tactic which, according to military analysts, makes its detection by conventional air defense systems significantly more difficult. In the footage, the unmanned aerial vehicle appears to be moving just 10 to 15 meters above the water's surface, taking advantage of the environment's morphology to drastically reduce its radar footprint.
Was Kronstadt the target?
According to analysts who examined the video, this specific flight may have been destined for Kronstadt, the strategically important naval base located near Saint Petersburg. Experts point out that when UAVs operate at such low altitudes, electronic warfare systems and radars face serious difficulties in detecting them in time, with the result that identification often relies on visual observation.
Scenarios for Starlink and relay networks
At the same time, analysts estimate that the drones that participated in the attacks against Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad region could have been controlled either through relay networks in the Baltic countries or through satellite communications. Some estimates speak of a possible use of the Starlink system, owned by SpaceX, although no public evidence has been presented so far to confirm these claims.
Proposals for a new defense strategy
Within the framework of the discussion on countering such threats, Russian military analysts argue that the development of a broader surveillance and interception network in the Baltic maritime space is required. Among the proposals being formulated are:
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The creation of mobile naval surveillance groups.
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The interconnection of all assets through a unified information network.
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The utilization of small missile boats and warships of the Baltic Fleet.
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The use of civilian speedboats equipped with weapon systems for the timely recognition and engagement of drones.
Russian claims about shoot-downs
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that in the last 24 hours, air defense forces shot down 750 Ukrainian UAVs, as well as six guided bombs and six HIMARS missiles. These specific numbers demonstrate the intensity of the air and unmanned operations evolving in the context of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The new face of drone warfare
The use of UAVs flying extremely low over sea or land surfaces is emerging as one of the most significant challenges for modern air defense systems. This tactic allows the drones to exploit the "blind spots" of radars, increasing the chances of approaching strategic targets without being detected in time.
"Why is Rutte walking around undisturbed in Kiev?" - Outrage in Russia - Experts say it is linked to the attacks in Saint Petersburg
Intense reactions in Russia were caused by the surprise visit of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Kiev, with Russian war correspondent Alexander Kots openly questioning the fact that high-ranking Western officials visit the Ukrainian capital without facing security risks. Kots commented on the visit a few hours after the attacks by Ukrainian drones in Saint Petersburg and the wider Leningrad region. According to Russian reports, the targets of the attacks were the Kirovsky and Krasnoselsky districts, Kronstadt, as well as oil refining facilities.
The Saint Petersburg Economic Forum is also targeted
The Russian journalist argued that the timing of the attack was not accidental, as it coincides with the start of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), in which representatives from more than 130 countries are participating. According to him, Ukraine seeks to strike the prestige of the event and make it difficult for Russia's international economic and political contacts with countries that maintain friendly relations with Moscow. At the same time, he argued that Kiev does not take into account the possibility that foreign visitors or officials might be in danger, while he accused Western media of selectively dealing with such incidents.
Barbs against NATO and Mark Rutte
Commenting on Mark Rutte's presence in Kiev, Kots argued that the head of NATO appears certain of his safety, despite the fact that the Alliance is a key supplier of military aid to Ukraine. The Russian correspondent also left barbs regarding the role of NATO countries in Ukrainian drone operations, pointing out that, according to his estimates, the unmanned aerial vehicles that attacked Saint Petersburg approached from the direction of the Gulf of Finland.
Escalation of rhetoric
Concluding his commentary, Alexander Kots wondered why Russia does not respond in a more dynamic way when foreign delegations and high-ranking officials are in Kiev, formulating critical views on the Russian deterrence strategy. His statements reflect the climate prevailing in part of the Russian public discourse, as the war in Ukraine continues to fuel tensions between Moscow, Kiev, and the West.
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