Ukraine launched a large-scale overnight drone attack on Moscow on Thursday, striking a major oil refinery and causing widespread disruptions across the Russian capital. The operation marked one of Kyiv’s biggest attacks on Moscow since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strike as a “justified response” to continued Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
A major strike deep inside Russia
According to Russian authorities, hundreds of Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow and surrounding regions during the overnight assault. Russian air defence systems intercepted many of them, but several managed to reach strategic targets, including the Moscow oil refinery in the Kapotnya district. The facility was hit for the second time within a week.
Videos circulating on social media showed flames rising from industrial facilities and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Authorities temporarily closed roads around affected areas while emergency teams rushed to control the fire.
Oil refinery attack raises pressure on Russia
The Moscow refinery is a critical energy asset that supplies a significant share of fuel consumed in the Russian capital. Repeated attacks on such infrastructure underline Ukraine’s strategy of weakening Russia’s economic and military capabilities by targeting energy facilities that help finance the war effort.
Energy analysts have noted that Ukraine’s drone campaign has increasingly focused on oil depots, refineries and logistics hubs throughout 2026. The strategy has already affected Russian oil production levels and disrupted domestic fuel supplies in several regions.
Reports indicate Russia has been preparing additional fuel imports to offset shortages caused by the sustained attacks.
Flights suspended across Moscow
The attack also disrupted aviation operations. Authorities temporarily suspended flights at several major Moscow airports, including Sheremetyevo and other transport hubs, as a precautionary measure. Passengers experienced delays and cancellations while emergency protocols were activated.
Russian officials described the assault as one of the most significant drone attacks on the capital in recent years. Residents in multiple districts reported hearing explosions throughout the night.
Some residential buildings and commercial facilities reportedly sustained damage, prompting local evacuations in affected areas. Emergency services remained deployed for several hours after the attack.
Zelensky defends Ukraine’s actions
President Zelensky publicly defended the operation, saying Ukraine was responding to relentless Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. He argued that Russia must feel the consequences of continuing its military campaign.
In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its bombardment of Ukrainian cities using large numbers of drones and missiles. Kyiv has repeatedly accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilian areas, while Russia denies such allegations.
Zelensky has increasingly promoted Ukraine’s growing long-range strike capabilities as an essential part of the country’s defence strategy.
Diplomatic efforts continue alongside battlefield escalation
The attacks came as Zelensky sought renewed international support during meetings with world leaders at the G7 summit. He held discussions with US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding efforts to achieve a peace settlement and strengthen support for Ukraine.
Despite ongoing diplomatic engagements, fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues to intensify. Moscow has shown little sign of reducing its military operations, while Ukraine has expanded its ability to strike targets hundreds of kilometres inside Russian territory.
War enters a new phase
Military experts say the latest developments reflect a new stage of the conflict in which both sides increasingly rely on long-range drone warfare. Attacks deep inside enemy territory have become a central tactic, extending the battlefield far beyond traditional front lines.
As Ukraine improves its indigenous drone technology and Russia strengthens its air defences, both countries appear locked in a cycle of escalation that shows no immediate signs of ending. Civilian populations on both sides continue to face the consequences of a prolonged and evolving war.
