Ukraine Hits Moscow in Largest Drone Assault of War, Refinery Burns
Ukraine launched a massive drone offensive against Moscow on Thursday, targeting key energy infrastructure and marking one of the largest attacks on the Russian capital since the war began in 2022. Russian authorities said hundreds of drones were intercepted, but several penetrated defenses and struck strategic targets.
The main target was the Moscow Oil Refinery in the southeastern Kapotnya district, a facility that supplies fuel to the Russian capital. Reuters witnesses reported large explosions, towering flames and thick black smoke rising above the refinery after the strike. It was the second successful attack on the site this week.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defenses shot down around 180 drones approaching the capital, while Russia's Defense Ministry claimed 555 Ukrainian drones were intercepted nationwide. Despite those claims, significant damage was reported at energy facilities and transportation infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the refinery strike and framed it as retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Kyiv, including damage to the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery. Zelensky warned that continued Russian attacks would bring consequences deep inside Russian territory.
The assault disrupted operations at several Moscow airports and highlighted Ukraine's growing long-range strike capabilities. Reports indicate Ukrainian drones traveled hundreds of kilometers, bypassing multiple defensive layers before reaching the Russian capital.
The attack comes as both sides intensify aerial warfare. Russia has recently launched some of its largest missile and drone barrages against Ukrainian cities, while Kyiv has expanded strikes against Russian oil facilities, logistics hubs and military infrastructure in an effort to weaken Moscow's war machine.