Ukraine carried out what appeared to be its largest drone attack on Moscow since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than four years ago, striking a major oil refinery and disrupting air traffic across the Russian capital.
Waves of Ukrainian drones targeted the Kapotnya oil refinery in southeastern Moscow on Thursday, marking the second attack on the facility this week. Thick black smoke and flames rose above the city as emergency services and air defense systems responded to the assault.
According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Russian air defenses intercepted 190 drones approaching the capital overnight. Despite those efforts, several drones reportedly reached the refinery, causing significant damage. Russian state media described the incident as the most extensive drone attack on the Moscow region in two years.
Videos circulating on social media showed the refinery engulfed in flames while air defense missiles attempted to intercept incoming drones. The facility is located roughly 10 miles from the Kremlin and plays a key role in supplying fuel to the Moscow region.
The attack forced temporary shutdowns at Moscow’s major airports as authorities sought to ensure flight safety. Aviation restrictions had already been tightened a day earlier, with Russian officials limiting flights by light private aircraft and drones in and around the capital.
Ukraine has increasingly targeted energy infrastructure deep inside Russian territory as its long-range drone capabilities expand. Kyiv argues that such operations are designed to weaken Russia’s war effort and respond to continued strikes on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strike campaign as a justified response to Russian attacks and highlighted what he called the effectiveness of Ukraine’s long-range operations. He also suggested that recent discussions with international partners, including U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, could lead to significant developments in efforts to end the conflict.
The assault came amid heightened tensions following Russian strikes on a historic Ukrainian monastery that drew international criticism. Kyiv portrayed the refinery attack as retaliation for those actions.
While successful strikes on Moscow remain relatively rare due to the city’s extensive air defense network, Ukraine’s growing ability to reach strategic targets deep inside Russia has become a notable feature of the war. The attacks have damaged energy facilities, disrupted fuel supplies in some regions, and increased pressure on the Kremlin.
Despite a Moscow ban on sharing images of drone strike damage, numerous videos of the refinery fire appeared online. Some footage showed residents reacting with shock as smoke billowed across the skyline, while others appeared largely unfazed, continuing their daily routines as the fire burned in the background.
The latest escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled, though renewed international engagement has raised hopes for fresh negotiations. With both sides continuing to exchange strikes far from the front lines, the conflict increasingly demonstrates its reach beyond traditional battlefield zones.