Ukraine Targets Moscow’s Oil Refinery Again

Ukraine launched a second attack on Moscow’s main oil refinery this week, resulting in thick black smoke over the city and disrupting airport operations. Officials say this incident marks one of the largest drone strikes since Russia’s extensive invasion began over four years ago.

The aim of these recurring attacks on Russian oil facilities seems to be to undermine Russia’s war funding and make the effects of the invasion felt by ordinary Russian citizens. Reports indicate that some regions are experiencing fuel shortages.

The drone strike occurred shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held “important coordination calls” with leaders from the United States and France, securing notable commitments for additional assistance during the recent G7 summit.

Zelenskiy stated, “If Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn,” framing the attack as a tactic to push Russian President Vladimir Putin toward negotiations. He emphasized the urgency to “end the invasion, it’s time to end this war.”

A meeting with NATO and EU leaders is scheduled later on Thursday, during which Zelenskiy will discuss potential defense strategies against ballistic missiles, amid relentless attacks from Russia and struggling air defenses.

The latest strike is another setback for Putin, who recently endured a drone attack during a forum in St. Petersburg, attended by foreign dignitaries.

Footage shows large plumes of black smoke and flames emanating from the refinery, situated about 15 kilometers from the Kremlin. Reports mention dark rain falling in the vicinity.

In a post on social media, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sibikha relayed a common inquiry from Muscovites: “What’s going on?” He responded, pointing out that the aggression against Ukraine has persisted for years, urging the Russian public to question Putin about ending the war.

The refinery is crucial, as it supplies over a third of the Moscow region’s fuel. A previous drone attack on Tuesday had already ignited a fire that authorities claimed was swiftly contained.

According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, while the blaze was “almost extinguished,” remnants of the fire were still being dealt with.

With Ukraine’s ongoing strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, fuel availability has begun to dwindle. Some gas stations now impose purchasing limits, with reports indicating that approximately 25% of stations across the country have started implementing regulations.

Authorities in Moscow assured that fuel distribution and gas station operations were continuing “as usual” following the attack.

The strikes also briefly disrupted flights across four Moscow airports, according to transport and aviation authorities.

In the wider Moscow area, a drone crash in the town of Zhukovsky damaged a house and injured 17 people, including two minors, according to Governor Andrei Vorobyov.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 555 Ukrainian drones in various regions, including nearly 200 approaching Moscow. This figure reportedly reflects double the number of drones Russia deployed against Ukraine overnight.

Meanwhile, Putin was in Kazan, approximately 700 kilometers east of the capital, hosting leaders from Southeast Asia to boost regional relations.

Zelenskiy mentioned that Ukraine would not remain silent in the face of continued Russian aggression, reinforcing the need for a response if Putin opts to prolong the conflict. Although he has accepted calls for an unconditional ceasefire, Putin has rejected such appeals.

At the G7 summit, Ukraine’s military momentum is said to be improving, attributed to advanced drone technology, according to Western analysts.

Long-range drone operations are not only disrupting Russia’s oil output but are also affecting supply lines in occupied Ukrainian territories.

Macron noted the G7 summit’s significance for Ukraine’s ongoing support, though specific details were not disclosed. U.S. aid was reportedly reduced under the Trump administration, shifting military and financial support largely to European nations. Strained relations have existed between Trump and Zelenskiy.

Macron reiterated that the U.S. remains committed to Ukraine, highlighting its importance.

In other news on Thursday, Russian forces attacked Sumy in northeastern Ukraine with glide bombs, leading to the death of a 64-year-old fisherman, according to the Regional Military Administration Chief. A further assault in Dnipropetrovsk city center resulted in one death and nine injuries, as reported by the regional military administration head.