Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Moscow, striking a key oil refinery and disrupting commercial flights at several airports in the Russian capital.
The attack hit the Moscow Oil Refinery, located in the Kapotnya area southeast of the city center. Videos and images shared by Russian media showed flames and thick black smoke rising from the facility after drones reached the site.
The refinery had already been targeted earlier in the week, making this the second strike on the facility in just a few days. The refinery is considered important because it supplies a major share of the fuel used in the Moscow region.
Russian officials said air defenses intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones across multiple regions overnight. However, several drones still managed to reach Moscow and surrounding areas, causing fires and damage.+
The attack also disrupted air travel. Flights were temporarily halted at several Moscow airports as aviation authorities responded to the drone threat. The disruption affected commercial passengers and created delays during the morning.
In the Moscow region, officials reported injuries and damage to buildings, homes, vehicles and other facilities. A residential building in Zhukovsky was also reportedly hit, prompting evacuations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended the attack, saying strikes on Russian energy infrastructure are aimed at facilities that support Moscow’s war effort. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian oil refineries, fuel depots and transport networks in an effort to cut revenue and pressure the Kremlin.
The latest attack comes as both Russia and Ukraine continue escalating long-range drone and missile strikes. Russia has repeatedly launched large attacks on Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine has increased its ability to hit targets deep inside Russian territory.+
The Moscow refinery strike is another sign that the war is moving further beyond the front lines. It also highlights the growing importance of drones in the conflict, especially as both sides try to damage energy infrastructure, supply lines and military logistics.
For now, Russian authorities say emergency crews are responding, while the full scale of the damage remains unclear.
