A major oil refinery in Moscow was set on fire after almost 200 Ukrainian drones struck the Russian capital, marking the largest drone attack on Moscow since the start of the war. The attack, which caught residents by surprise, targeted an area to the south-east of the city, forcing evacuations at Moscow's largest airport.
The Ukrainian drones targeted a major oil refinery in the Kapotno area, prompting a response from Moscow's emergency services. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as a response to Russia's striking of a historic Kyiv monastery complex. Moscow's mayor reported that around 180 drones heading for the Russian capital were downed, while Russia's Defence Ministry claimed that air defences shot down 555 Ukrainian drones over several regions overnight.
The discrepancy in the number of drones shot down has raised questions, with the exact number unclear. The attack has affected the people of Moscow, with panicked messages on social media and evacuations at the airport. The shutdown of Moscow's airports for several hours has raised concerns about the city's ability to respond to such attacks.
The attack on the oil refinery has also raised concerns about the global energy market, with the potential for disruptions to supply chains. As the city begins to assess the damage, residents are left wondering what the next step will be, with the potential implications of the attack for regional stability hanging in the balance. The attack is a significant development in the war between Ukraine and Russia, and its impact will be closely watched in the coming days.
The Russian capital's air defences were put to the test as the drones targeted key infrastructure, including the oil refinery. The attack has highlighted the vulnerability of Moscow's defences and raised questions about the city's preparedness for such attacks. As the investigation into the attack continues, officials will be working to determine the cause of the breach and to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The attack on Moscow is the latest escalation in the war between Ukraine and Russia, which has been ongoing for months. The conflict has had a significant impact on the region, with widespread destruction and loss of life. The international community has been calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but a lasting solution has yet to be found.