Russia Ukraine War Latest News: Ukraine carried out one of its biggest drone attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, hitting a major oil refinery in Moscow for the second time in a week. The strike caused widespread disruption in the Russian capital, particularly at its airports, and raised fresh concerns over air security.
Large plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the Moscow Oil Refinery, one of Russia’s largest fuel production facilities located around 15 kilometres from the Kremlin. Following the attack, aviation authorities temporarily suspended operations at four Moscow airports, resulting in more than 500 flight delays and cancellations.
Kyiv has been repeatedly targeting Russian energy infrastructure in an effort to reduce funding for Moscow’s war effort and increase pressure on the country’s economy by bringing the war impact closer to civilians.
Russia Ukraine War Latest News: Zelenskyy Says Strikes Aim to Force Russia Into Negotiations
The attack came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held what he described as an “important coordination call” with US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron following the G7 summit.
Zelenskyy said, “If Ukraine is going to burn, your Moscow will burn too,” adding that the strikes are meant to push Russian President Vladimir Putin toward negotiations. He also warned that Ukraine would continue its response as long as Russia continues its military actions.
The latest operation adds to a series of security challenges for Russia, including earlier drone strikes on St. Petersburg during a major international economic forum attended by foreign leaders.
At the time of the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin was in Kazan meeting leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as Moscow continues to expand diplomatic and trade ties with Asian countries.
Russian state media gave limited coverage of the incident, while some pro-government outlets praised air defence systems but admitted that Moscow’s security may need further strengthening.
Russia Ukraine War Latest News: Ukraine Expands Military and Air Defence Cooperation With Europe
As the war enters its fifth year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to Brussels for high-level meetings with NATO and European Union leaders.
Ukraine and Germany agreed to jointly develop a new air defence system aimed at intercepting ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy called the initiative the beginning of an “anti-ballistic missile coalition” and urged more countries to join.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia was “on the back foot militarily, economically and politically” and stressed the need for continued international support for Ukraine.
Russia Ukraine War Latest News: Massive Fire at Moscow Oil Refinery Sends Smoke Across Moscow
The strike triggered large fires at the Moscow Oil Refinery, with videos showing thick black smoke covering parts of the city. Reports also indicated soot-like residue falling in nearby areas during the incident.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha used the moment to highlight the consequences of the war inside Russia, saying, “Your country started a war of aggression against ours. For years, it has been killing our people. Ask Putin when he is planning to end it,” in a post on X.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin later said the fire had largely been contained, although emergency teams continued working to extinguish remaining hotspots.
Russia Ukraine War Latest News: Fuel Supply Concerns Rise Inside Russia After Repeated Attacks
Repeated strikes on Russian energy infrastructure have begun to affect fuel distribution in some regions. Several petrol station operators have introduced limits on fuel purchases, and reports suggest that around one in four independent stations have imposed restrictions. Despite this, Moscow authorities maintained that fuel supplies in the capital remain stable and that all petrol stations are operating normally.
Russia Ukraine War Latest News: Russia Claims Hundreds of Ukrainian Drones Shot Down
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted 555 Ukrainian drones overnight, including nearly 200 targeting the Moscow region. However, officials confirmed that some drones still caused damage.
Authorities in the Moscow region reported that falling debris damaged residential buildings and injured 17 people, including two children, highlighting the continued risks to civilian areas despite interception claims.
