A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack struck Moscow on Thursday, causing a fire at a major oil refinery, damaging residential and commercial properties, and injuring at least 17 people, Russian authorities said.
The strike targeted several locations across the Russian capital, including an oil refinery operated by Gazprom Neft in southeastern Moscow. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the facility as emergency services worked to contain the fire.
Russian officials said air defense systems intercepted hundreds of drones overnight, but some managed to reach their targets. Apart from the refinery, a shopping centre and an apartment building were also hit, resulting in injuries and property damage.
The attack disrupted air travel in Moscow, with authorities temporarily suspending operations at several airports, including Sheremetyevo, the country’s busiest airport. Passengers were evacuated to designated safe areas before flights gradually resumed later in the day.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that several drones reached the refinery area, while Russia’s Defence Ministry said more than 500 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across the country overnight.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky described the operation as a response to recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including strikes on Kyiv. He said Russia’s population should understand the consequences of the war and encourage its leadership to seek a diplomatic solution.
Russia vowed to respond to the attack. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would carry out retaliatory strikes against Ukraine.
The attack coincided with a summit in Kazan attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from Southeast Asian countries. Putin did not publicly comment on the strike during the event.
The latest assault highlights Ukraine’s growing use of long-range drones to target Russian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities that Kyiv says help finance Moscow’s military operations.
The conflict continues with no breakthrough in peace negotiations, as both countries intensify aerial attacks despite repeated calls for a diplomatic resolution.
