Massive blasts in Moscow shatter refineries, highlighting Kremlin's vulnerability

Massive explosions rocked Moscow on Thursday, shattering refineries and sending thick black smoke billowing over the Russian capital, just 10 miles from the Kremlin.

Videos circulating on social media depict Ukraine's air defense systems successfully piercing Moscow's defenses with drones, striking multiple refineries and igniting several fires. One video shows a refinery lid blown clean off, indicating the severity of the impact. The environmental consequences of such a disaster are likely to be significant.

These attacks not only underscore Ukraine's increasing capability to strike deep within Russian territory but also signal a potential increase in public discontent within Moscow. The relentless posting of videos, despite Russian authorities' attempts to control information, suggests a growing dissent that could lead to political instability.

This incident marks a moment of clarity, illustrating the Kremlin's struggle to insulate itself from the repercussions of its invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy framed the attacks as a response to Russia's continuous bombardment of Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv's historic church complex. The attacks also come as Zelenskyy appears emboldened by the G7 meeting, where discussions suggested Ukraine might gain the ability to mass-produce air defense systems under license, addressing shortages faced by the US and Europe.

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attacks a response to Russia’s relentless nightly bombardment, which on Monday included Kyiv’s oldest and holiest church complex.