The assault follows warnings of an intense new wave of attacks as the Kremlin hopes to change the narrative of a war mired in battlefield setbacks and diplomatic stalemate amid growing signs of domestic disquiet.

Russia's Leningrad region has faced a major drone attack overnight, just hours before Vladimir Putin's flagship annual economic forum kicks off. Damage has been done in St Petersburg. Follow the latest - and submit a question for our live Q&A with Michael Clarke at 1pm today.