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Jun 18, 20261
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Ukrainian Minister Responds to Moscow Residents After Drone Strike on Oil Refinery
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded to Moscow residents questioning a major drone attack on the city's oil refinery, telling them to ask President Putin to end the war. The strike on the Moscow oil refinery in Kapotnya early on June 18 caused a major fire and is seen as retaliation for a Russian attack on a Kyiv monastery days earlier.
Quick Facts
Who
Andrii Sybiha
What
Ukrainian Foreign Minister responded to Moscow residents about drone attack
When
night of 17-18 June 2026
Where
Moscow
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister responded to Moscow residents about drone attack
- Ukrainian drones struck Moscow oil refinery in Kapotnya
- Russia launched combined attack on Kyiv on June 15
- Shahed drone struck Kyiv Pechersk Lavra causing fire in Dormition Cathedral
- President Zelenskyy vowed response to Russian attack
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has directly addressed residents of Moscow questioning a large-scale drone attack on the Russian capital, placing the blame squarely on President Vladimir Putin and his ongoing war against Ukraine.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on June 18, Sybiha responded to what he described as one of the most popular questions among Muscovites that morning: "What is going on?" He replied, "Your country started a war of aggression against ours. For years, it has been killing our people. Now that you know what's going on, ask Putin when he is planning to end it."
The minister's remarks came after Ukrainian drones penetrated Moscow's layered air defenses overnight on June 17-18, striking the Moscow oil refinery in the Kapotnya district. The attack caused a major fire at the facility. Russian media outlets have described this as the largest such incursion in the past two years, marking the second successful strike on a strategic Russian target within three days.
The drone attack follows a large-scale Russian assault on Kyiv on June 15, during which a Shahed drone struck the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves), setting the Dormition Cathedral ablaze. The fire spread across approximately 800 square meters of the roof. While inspecting the damage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed a response to the attack, a promise that appears to have been fulfilled with the Moscow refinery strike.
Topics
Why This Matters
This event shows how Ukraine is escalating its asymmetric warfare into the heart of Russia, targeting strategic economic assets like oil refineries. It signals that Kyiv can now strike Moscow's infrastructure despite layered air defenses, potentially affecting global energy markets and Russian public morale. For international readers, this marks a shift in the conflict's geography and a direct challenge to Russia's sense of security.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 15, 2026
WireRussia launches large-scale combined attack on Kyiv; Shahed drone hits Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, causing fire in Dormition Cathedral.
Jun 17, 2026
WireUkrainian President Zelenskyy inspects damage at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and vows response.
Jun 17, 2026
WireUkrainian drones penetrate Moscow's air defense and strike Moscow oil refinery in Kapotnya.
Jun 18, 2026
WireMajor fire reported at Moscow oil refinery; Russian media calls it largest attack in two years.
Jun 18, 2026
WireUkrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posts response on X to Moscow residents questioning the attack.