Ukraine launches largest attack on Moscow in two years, Russian media says

Ukraine unleashed its most extensive drone offensive on Moscow in two years, striking a key oil refinery and igniting fires that sent debris raining down across the capital region. Russian air defenses reported intercepting at least 194 drones targeting the capital overnight into Thursday, a significantly higher number than in previous heavy attack days. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed a total of 555 drones were intercepted across a wide area of Russia, including over the Sea of Azov.

Flights at all major Moscow airports were temporarily suspended Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attacks as a "fully justified response to Russian strikes on our cities and communities." Speaking from Brussels, where he met with NATO leaders, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's strategy of targeting Russian energy infrastructure through long-range attacks to compel Moscow to cease the war. He highlighted the "precision and effectiveness" of Ukraine's recent strikes.

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Fully justified response to Russian strikes on our cities and communities.

One of the primary targets was the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district, which had also been damaged by a Ukrainian strike on Tuesday. Videos geolocated by CNN showed projectiles being fired as drones approached the refinery, with thick black smoke billowing from the site. Another clip captured a large explosion that blew the roof off a fuel tank. Smoke was also seen rising near Moscow's Sadovod trade center, and falling debris damaged an apartment building and a fitness center, according to Russian media.

In response, Russia reportedly fired seven missiles and 239 drones at Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities stated these attacks hit a private home, an energy facility, a hangar, and oil facilities in the Kyiv and Poltava regions. Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks on Russian energy and military sites in recent months, including naval facilities and oil depots in various regions. Analysts note that Russia's state budget relies on oil revenues for at least one-third of its income.

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In recent days, all our partners have noted the precision and effectiveness of our mid-range strikes and long-range sanctions.