Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Attack on Moscow, Hitting Oil Refinery and Disrupting Airport

Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow on Thursday, striking a major oil refinery for the second time this week and causing thick black smoke, fires, and flight disruptions. The drone barrage targeted the Kapotnya refinery, located about 10 miles from the Kremlin, prompting the temporary closure of Moscow's largest airport and forcing evacuations. At least 17 people were wounded as fires also broke out at a shopping center and an apartment building, according to local authorities.

The attack comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Southeast Asian leaders at a summit in Kazan, and as Kyiv frames the strike as retaliation for Russian attacks on cultural landmarks in Ukraine, including a historic monastery and a cathedral. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the operation a "fully justified response" and warned, "If Ukraine is going to burn, your Moscow will burn too." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov vowed Moscow would retaliate with "massive" strikes on Ukraine.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that 190 drones were shot down on approach to the capital overnight, with several reaching the refinery. The Russian Defense Ministry said it intercepted over 500 Ukrainian drones across the country. The attack forced the temporary shutdown of Moscow's airports, with Sheremetyevo—the country's busiest—evacuating passengers to safe locations before reopening later in the morning. Local flights were also disrupted.

Kyiv has increasingly targeted Russian energy infrastructure, describing the campaign as "long-range sanctions" aimed at cutting off funding for Moscow's war effort. The strikes have deepened internal discontent within Russia, with some Moscow residents expressing fear and considering leaving the capital if attacks continue closer to the city center. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled, though U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled renewed engagement after the signing of a peace agreement with Iran.