Ukraine launches largest attack on Moscow since start of full-scale war

Ukraine Launches Major Drone Strike on Moscow’s Key Refinery

Ukraine launches largest attack on Moscow – In a significant escalation of the conflict, Ukraine executed its most extensive drone assault on Moscow since the full-scale war began over four years ago. The attack targeted the Moscow Oil Refinery, a vital energy hub located just 15 kilometers from the Kremlin in the Kapotnya district, causing substantial damage, fires, and debris to spread across the area. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, air defenses neutralized at least 194 drones overnight into Thursday, a sharp increase compared to previous months when such strikes typically involved fewer than 20 drones. This surge highlights Kyiv’s enhanced capabilities in long-range drone operations, a shift that has reshaped the dynamics of the war.

Zelensky’s Strategic Response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky framed the attacks as a justified retaliation for Russia’s targeting of a historic monastery complex in Kyiv. “We do not want this war and never have – everyone knows this, and our partners know this,” he said during a press briefing. “But if Ukraine is engulfed in flames, so will your Moscow be. That is why we emphasize once again that it is time to end the aggression; it is time to end this war.”

The strike was part of a broader Ukrainian offensive against Russian energy infrastructure, with air defenses intercepting nearly 1,000 drones across multiple regions, including the Sea of Azov. Flights at all major Moscow airports were temporarily halted on Thursday, Reuters reported, citing the Russian aviation authority. The assault on the refinery, which had already been hit by Ukraine on Tuesday, underscores a strategic focus on crippling Moscow’s fuel supply chain.

Residents Describe the Chaos

Residents in southeastern Moscow, near the Kapotnya refinery, shared harrowing accounts of the attack. Natalya Klimova, a 25-year-old living in Maryino, described waking to explosions, thick smoke, and a lingering smell of burning. “The smell is terrible. We closed the windows, but it’s still hard to breathe inside the apartment,” she said. “It is honestly very frightening.” Klimova reported hearing at least 10 explosions and fleeing to the bathroom for safety, though the building trembled violently, even shaking her mirror.

Another Maryino resident, Maria, 44, recounted her experience of leaving the area for her mother’s dacha in the Moscow suburbs. “I was sure the plant would burn sooner or later. I packed my things and went to my mom’s dacha,” she said, noting this was not the first time the refinery had faced attacks. Maria also reflected on the emotional toll of the war, stating, “I think I burned out back when I saw the photos and videos from Ukraine. And now it’s so close to me, but I seem to be numb to it.”

Russia’s Retaliation and Escalation

Russia responded to the strikes with its own offensive, launching seven missiles and 239 drones at Ukrainian targets. The retaliation hit several locations, including a private home, an energy facility, and oil installations in Kyiv and Poltava regions, as confirmed by both Ukrainian and Russian officials. While the exact damage caused by Russia’s counterattack remains unclear, the exchange of firepower signals a deepening of the conflict’s intensity.

The Moscow Oil Refinery, a critical component of Russia’s energy infrastructure, was attacked using a combination of ground-launched projectiles and drones. CNN’s geolocated footage captured the moment a projectile was fired from a road as drones approached the site, followed by a massive explosion that sent a fuel tank’s roof soaring into the air. Such precision strikes demonstrate Ukraine’s growing ability to strike deep into Russian territory, leveraging advanced technology and strategic planning.

Economic Impact of the Strikes

The attack on the refinery, one of Russia’s key energy assets, has broader economic implications. Analysts note that Russia’s state budget depends on oil earnings, which account for at least one-third of its revenue. With the Ukraine war reducing the pool of buyers for Russian oil, the country has relied on surging global fuel prices and eased sanctions, particularly from Iran, to offset financial losses. However, Ukraine’s targeting of refineries and military facilities has disrupted this flow, raising concerns about Moscow’s ability to sustain its war efforts.

Recent months have seen a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks against Russian energy sites, including naval bases, oil depots, and terminals. These strikes, which have expanded from eastern Ukraine to regions like Leningrad—home to St. Petersburg, a recent host of a global economic forum—reflect a coordinated effort to weaken Russia’s economic foundation. The Leningrad region’s strategic importance, as a gateway to the Baltic Sea, adds to the significance of these attacks in both military and economic terms.

Strategic Significance of the Refinery

The Moscow Oil Refinery’s proximity to the Kremlin makes it a high-value target for Ukraine. By striking this facility, Kyiv aims to disrupt Russia’s ability to fund its war machine and send a message of escalating pressure. The refinery’s damage not only threatens Moscow’s energy output but also risks creating a domino effect on other infrastructure, such as power plants and transportation networks.

The attack’s success in breaching Russian defenses is a testament to Ukraine’s improved military tactics. While Russia’s air defenses managed to intercept most of the drones, the sheer volume of the assault—nearly 1,000 drones in total—demonstrates a shift in the balance of power. This development has forced Moscow to reconsider its strategy, as the threat of prolonged strikes on its energy sector grows more imminent.

As the war enters its fifth year, the assault on Moscow marks a turning point in the conflict. Ukraine’s ability to strike deep within Russian territory has not only disrupted supply chains but also amplified the psychological and economic pressure on Moscow. With the refinery’s damage and the subsequent retaliation, the battle for resource control has intensified, setting the stage for further escalations in the months ahead.