Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow in 2 years
What's the story
Ukraine has launched its largest drone offensive on Moscow in two years, Russian state-run news agency TASS reported. The attack damaged a key oil refinery and caused fires across the capital region. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defenses shot down 194 drones bound for the city in just eight hours. Flights at all major Moscow airports were temporarily suspended due to the ongoing attacks.
Strategic timing
Zelensky in Brussels for NATO talks
The drone offensive on Moscow comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Brussels for meetings with NATO's leader and defense ministers from Britain and Germany. The attack is part of a larger overnight operation across Russia, with air defenses intercepting 555 drones. This includes strikes over the Sea of Azov, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Refinery attack
Moscow oil refinery hit by drones
In the attacks, the Moscow Oil Refinery was hit by drones, marking the second attack on the facility this week. Another oil depot in Russia's Rostov region was also struck Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Thursday's attacks "a fully justified response to Russian strikes on our cities and communities" in a Telegram post from Brussels. "In recent days, all our partners have noted the precision and effectiveness of our mid-range strikes and long-range sanctions," he said.
Retaliatory strike
Russia retaliates with strikes on Ukraine
In response to the attacks, Russia launched seven missiles and 239 drones at Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force Ukrainian authorities reported strikes on various locations, including a private home, a private hangar, and energy infrastructure facilities. The Russian Ministry of Defense also confirmed hits on oil facilities in the Kyiv and Poltava regions during its retaliatory strike.
Ongoing conflict
Ukraine targets Russian energy infrastructure
Ukraine has been targeting Russian energy infrastructure with long-range attacks in recent weeks. These include naval facilities, oil depots, and terminals. The attacks come as world leaders gather at the G7 summit in France, where Zelenskyy spoke to Trump about securing more air defense capabilities for Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said discussions are ongoing to ensure Ukraine has what it needs for defense against Russia.