Ukraine carried out its largest drone attack on Moscow in nearly two years, marking a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. According to Russian state media and local officials, the overnight assault targeted key infrastructure in and around the Russian capital, causing fires, damage to industrial facilities, and disruptions across several areas.
One of the main targets of the attack was reportedly a major oil refinery in Moscow, while another strike hit an oil storage facility in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region. The depot plays an important role in supplying fuel to gas stations across the region. Authorities said emergency services were deployed to contain the fires and assess the damage caused by the strikes.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that Russian air defense systems intercepted at least 194 drones that were heading toward the capital overnight. The number of drones involved was significantly higher than in previous attacks seen in recent months, highlighting the increasing scale and sophistication of Ukraine’s long-range drone operations.
The attack on Moscow came as Russia launched a fresh wave of missile and drone strikes against Ukraine. Air raid alerts were issued across several regions, including the capital Kyiv, where residents were urged to seek shelter. Ukrainian officials reported hearing multiple explosions during the night, while authorities in the northeastern city of Sumy confirmed that one person was killed in a separate drone strike.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky defended the operation, calling it a “fully justified response” to Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian communities. Speaking from Brussels, where he was attending meetings with NATO leaders, Zelensky said Ukraine would continue to respond to Russian military actions while seeking greater international support for its defense efforts.
The latest exchange of attacks underscores the growing intensity of the war, with both sides increasingly targeting strategic infrastructure and military-related facilities. Analysts warn that the escalation could further heighten tensions and complicate efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
