Earlier today, Ukraine conducted what appears to be one of its largest drone strikes on Moscow since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Moscow Oil Refinery, also known as the Kapotnya refinery, was targeted for the second time this week and was heavily damaged, with videos circulating online showing large fires, thick black smoke and what appeared to be the metal lid or roof of a storage tank being blown into the air.
The refinery is situated in south-eastern Moscow, around 15 kilometres from the Kremlin, and is one of the most important fuel-processing facilities serving the Russian capital. It supplies a large share of Moscow’s petrol and diesel needs, making it a strategic target in Ukraine’s campaign against Russia’s energy infrastructure.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that several drones had reached the refinery, while Russian authorities claimed that hundreds of drones were intercepted across the country. These interception claims have not been independently verified.
Flights were suspended at Moscow’s airports, while traffic was also disrupted on roads near the refinery. Sheremetyevo, Moscow’s busiest airport, was evacuated during the attack.
The strike has also intensified pressure on Russia’s fuel market. Russia is already facing fuel shortages in several regions following repeated Ukrainian attacks on refineries, and Moscow has seen fuel-price pressure after the latest refinery strikes. Currently, Moscow residents are reporting on their social media accounts, widespread fuel shortages at fuel stations.
Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelensky said that if Ukraine will burn, so would Moscow. However Ukraine is targeting specific military and energy sites contrary to Russia which is deliberately targeting civilians, civilian infrastructure and even religious and historic sites.
Newsroom
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