Ukrainian Drones Set Moscow Refinery Ablaze

The attack reflects Kyiv's strategy of carrying the war deep into Russian territory and crippling the energy infrastructure that funds Moscow's war effort. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy framed it as retaliation, warning, "If Ukraine is going to burn, your Moscow will burn too," while pressing President Vladimir Putin toward negotiations. The strike came hours after Zelenskyy secured fresh pledges of support at this week's Group of Seven (G7) summit. Russia's Defence Ministry said its air defences downed 555 Ukrainian drones across several regions overnight, nearly 200 of them as they approached the capital — claims that could not be independently verified. Putin, hosting leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kazan, made no public comment.

The strikes exposed gaps in Moscow's heavily promoted air defences and disrupted daily life across the city. Four airports were temporarily closed and more than 500 flights were cancelled or delayed, while drone debris damaged buildings and injured at least 16 people, including two children. The Kapotnya refinery supplies a substantial share of the region's fuel, and gas stations in several parts of Russia have begun restricting purchases, with one independent outlet reporting that one in four had imposed limits. Russian officials vowed to respond with heavier blows, and some nationalist hardliners urged even harsher measures. Moscow, meanwhile, pressed on with its own missile and drone barrages against Ukrainian cities.