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Ukrainian Drones Set Moscow Oil Refinery on Fire

worldJun 22, 2026·293 words·3 min read

Ukraine launched one of its biggest drone attacks on Moscow since Russia's full-scale invasion began. Before dawn on Thursday, the drones struck the Moscow Oil Refinery in the south-eastern Kapotnya district. It was the second time in a week that the important facility had been hit, and the fires sent thick black smoke over the city.

The attack is part of Ukraine's plan to take the war deep into Russia and damage the energy industry that pays for the fighting. President Zelenskyy called it revenge. He warned, "If Ukraine is going to burn, your Moscow will burn too." He also wants Russia's President Putin to agree to peace talks. Russia said its forces shot down 555 Ukrainian drones overnight, but this could not be checked. Putin made no public comment.

The attack also caused problems across the city. Four airports closed for a while, and more than 500 flights were cancelled or delayed. Drone parts hurt at least 16 people, including two children. Some gas stations in Russia have started to limit fuel sales.

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