Steve Rosenberg: Moscow oil refinery attack brings Russia's war with Ukraine closer to home

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.

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.

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.

A Ukrainian drone attack on Thursday hit an oil refinery in southeast Moscow, causing thick smoke to billow over the city. While the attack damaged the refinery, shopping centers, and residential buildings, resulting in an eight-year-old girl's death, many Muscovites showed little outward reaction, suggesting a normalization of the war's proximity. Russian authorities, including President Putin, downplayed the incident, with state media emphasizing that Ukraine is suffering more from Russian strikes. The article suggests these long-range Ukrainian attacks on oil facilities are increasing pressure on Russia's economy.