'Pure hell' in Moscow as Ukrainian drones strike major refinery supplying capital's fuel market

Ukraine launched a significant drone attack on Moscow overnight, hitting the major Kapotnya Oil Refinery, which supplies a substantial portion of the capital's fuel market. This marks the second strike on the facility in three days and has sent thick black smoke over parts of the city. Russian officials reported that air defenses intercepted over 130 drones approaching Moscow, with broader claims of over 550 intercepted across regions. The attack disrupted flights and traffic, causing minor injuries and damage. Ukraine views these deep strikes into Russia as evidence of turning the war's tide and a way to increase the domestic cost of the conflict for Russia. The strikes highlight Ukraine's growing capability to hit high-value targets within Russia.

Ukraine launched a significant drone attack on Russia, hitting a Moscow oil refinery for the second time in a week and disrupting commercial flights at Moscow airports. Russian officials reported shooting down 555 Ukrainian drones, with nearly 200 intercepted near the capital. Several drones struck the Moscow Oil Refinery, causing fires and thick smoke, while flights from four Moscow airports were halted. The attack occurred after Ukrainian President Zelenskyy discussed further support with U.S. President Trump and French President Macron following the G7 summit, where Ukraine secured pledges of aid. Ukraine stated the strikes are a response to Russian attacks and aim to cut Moscow's war revenue and force an end to the conflict.

Ukrainian drones struck Moscow's oil refinery for the second time this week, causing a fire and plumes of smoke. The city's mayor reported that air defense forces repelled a large-scale attack, downing approximately 180 drones heading for the capital, though several reached the refinery and a shopping center. The attack also damaged residential buildings, an industrial facility, and private homes in the surrounding region. Moscow's busiest airport suspended flights and evacuated people. Russia claimed to have destroyed 555 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions, a number that could not be independently confirmed. In Ukraine, Kyiv also experienced an air attack, and drone strikes resulted in casualties in Sumy and Enerhodar, as well as in Russia's Belgorod and Rostov regions.

Ukrainian forces launched a drone attack on the Russian Baltic Sea port of Primorsk, a major oil-exporting hub, causing a fire that was extinguished without an oil spill. Simultaneously, President Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces also struck two "shadow fleet" tankers near the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, which he claimed were used for oil transport. These attacks occurred amidst ongoing accusations between Ukraine and Russia of civilian casualties from overnight air raids. The Primorsk attack highlights Ukraine's continued efforts to target Russian energy infrastructure, while the Novorossiysk incident demonstrates Ukraine's expanding long-range strike capabilities. Both nations have been engaged in frequent drone attacks throughout the conflict.

Ukraine has escalated its aerial attacks, targeting Russian oil storage, ports, and refineries deep within Russia, including strikes in the Urals region, over the past week. President Zelenskyy announced this marks a "new stage" in Ukraine's use of weapons to disrupt Russia's war capabilities. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed striking a strategically important oil pumping and distribution facility in Perm, which reportedly resulted in widespread fires. Russia's Ministry of Defence acknowledged the strikes and reported downing numerous Ukrainian drones. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned these attacks as "terrorist attacks," and Russia has cited the "current operational situation" as a reason for scaling back its Victory Day parade. This campaign aims to reduce Russia's oil revenue, with Ukraine claiming to have significantly impacted oil offloading ports.

Ukrainian drones have struck Russia's Tuapse oil refinery for the third time in two weeks. The attacks occurred in the Black Sea port city of Tuapse. This repeated targeting of a significant Russian energy facility highlights Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia's oil production and export capabilities. The specific dates of these recent strikes were not detailed, but the pattern indicates a sustained campaign. The refinery is a key component of Russia's oil infrastructure, making it a strategic target.

Ukrainian drones have struck a major Russian oil refinery in Tuapse on the Black Sea for the third time this month, resulting in a large fire and prompting local evacuations. The strikes, confirmed by Ukraine's military, aim to disrupt funding for Russia's invasion. Previous attacks on the Tuapse refinery led to an oil spill and environmental concerns. Russian officials accused Ukraine of exacerbating global oil shortages and destabilizing energy markets. Over 160 firefighters responded to the latest blaze, with no casualties reported. Residents from nearby streets were asked to evacuate, and a temporary shelter was established.