Ukraine strikes Moscow oil refinery in major drone attack

The war between Russia and Ukraine entered a dramatic new phase on Thursday as Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow this year, targeting a major oil refinery in the Russian capital for the second time in just a few days. The strike came as Russia simultaneously unleashed fresh missile attacks on Kyiv, underscoring the growing intensity of a conflict now stretching deep into both countries’ territories.

Residents in Moscow woke up to scenes rarely witnessed in the Russian capital. Thick plumes of smoke and flames were seen rising from the Kapotnya district in southeastern Moscow, home to one of the city’s key oil refineries. Videos circulating on social media showed emergency crews rushing to the area as authorities attempted to contain the damage.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that several Ukrainian drones had penetrated the city’s air defenses and struck the refinery. Minor damage was also reported at a nearby shopping center, while authorities suspended flights at all major Moscow airports and temporarily shut down traffic routes near the affected area.

According to Russian officials, air defense systems intercepted hundreds of drones across the country. The Defence Ministry claimed that 555 drones were shot down nationwide, including around 180 in the Moscow region alone. Russian media described the assault as one of the most significant drone attacks on the capital since the war began.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky openly acknowledged the strike, framing it as a direct response to recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. In a strongly worded message, he warned that Ukraine would continue targeting facilities that support Russia’s military operations if attacks on Ukrainian territory persisted.

Ukraine’s military said the operation extended beyond Moscow. Forces reportedly struck an oil depot in Russia’s southern Rostov region and targeted several transport links used to support Russian military logistics. Kyiv argues that disrupting fuel supplies and infrastructure is crucial to weakening Russia’s war effort.

The latest attack highlights Ukraine’s growing reliance on long-range drones, which have increasingly become one of Kyiv’s most effective tools in the conflict. Military analysts say Ukraine’s expanding drone capabilities are allowing it to strike strategic targets hundreds of kilometers inside Russian territory, putting pressure on Moscow in ways previously thought impossible.

The attack also comes at a sensitive moment diplomatically. Zelensky has intensified efforts to rally international support and push Russia toward meaningful peace negotiations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha used social media to challenge ordinary Russians, urging them to question why the war continues.

However, Moscow insists that Ukraine’s actions make negotiations more difficult. Kremlin officials argued that attacks on Russian territory are reducing the chances of direct talks between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The repeated strikes on Russian energy infrastructure are beginning to have broader economic consequences. Industry sources indicate that Russia may soon import gasoline by sea to offset shortages caused by refinery disruptions. Such a move would be highly unusual for one of the world’s largest oil producers and exporters.

Meanwhile, the violence continued inside Ukraine. Explosions echoed across Kyiv as Russia launched ballistic missile attacks on the capital. Authorities also reported casualties in several regions, including Sumy and Dnipro, where civilians were killed and injured in overnight strikes.

More than four years into the war, both sides appear determined to intensify their campaigns. As drones, missiles and strategic attacks become increasingly common, hopes for a quick resolution remain distant, while the conflict continues to reshape security and stability across Europe.