Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Attack on Moscow, Strikes Major Oil Refinery

Ukraine conducted its largest-ever drone attack on Moscow on Thursday, striking a major Gazprom Neft-operated oil refinery and disrupting commercial flights at the capital's airports. The attack saw nearly 200 drones intercepted as they approached Moscow, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, surpassing the previous record of 74 drones downed in March. Russian Defense Ministry figures indicated a total of 555 drones were intercepted across the country and annexed Crimea during the overnight barrage.

Black smoke filled the skies of southern Moscow after the drones struck the refinery, located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of central Moscow. Videos shared on social media showed massive columns of smoke and large fires rising from the facility, which supplies roughly one-third of Moscow's gasoline and fuel supplies. The refinery had been attacked just three days earlier on Tuesday, leading to a temporary shutdown of operations. Flight restrictions were imposed at multiple major airports in Moscow, including Sheremetyevo, with Aeroflot and Rossiya airlines canceling more than 170 flights. Restrictions also extended to other airports in central Russia, including Kazan, where President Vladimir Putin was attending an ASEAN summit.

The attack occurred amid intensified Ukrainian efforts to target Russian oil infrastructure and supply lines. Since spring, Ukraine has ramped up strikes against refineries and fuel supply routes in an effort to disrupt Russia's energy revenue and military logistics. These campaigns have resulted in fuel rationing measures being introduced across dozens of Russian regions, with shortages arriving during critical summer travel and agricultural seasons. Industry sources reported that Russia would need to import fuel from Asia by sea due to the disruptions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the strikes as "a fully justified response to Russian attacks on our cities and communities," while calling for an end to the conflict. "It is time the war ended, and Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy," Zelensky wrote on X. The attack came hours after Zelensky announced a significant coordination call with U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, both of whom pledged continued support for Ukraine. Macron emphasized that the G7 summit in France had united international leaders around strengthening Ukraine's capacity to resist and counterattack.