Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Moscow Oil Refinery, Disrupts Flights

Ukrainian drones struck several targets across Moscow, including an oil refinery in the Kapotno district, triggering a major fire and sending thick smoke over the city. The attack also forced temporary flight suspensions at Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky airports.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defence systems were responding to a large scale assault and claimed around 180 drones aimed at the capital were intercepted. However, several drones reached their targets, damaging the refinery, a shopping centre and other buildings.

Escalation in Air War

The refinery had already been targeted earlier this week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strikes as a response to recent Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said 555 Ukrainian drones were destroyed across multiple regions overnight. Meanwhile, Russia continued missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Sumy. Both countries reported civilian casualties, highlighting the growing intensity of the conflict as long-range strikes become increasingly common on both sides.