Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow, hitting oil refinery

Ukraine launched its largest-ever drone assault on Moscow, deploying nearly 200 unmanned aerial vehicles. The primary target was the major oil refinery in the Kapotnya district, a facility supplying up to 40% of the capital's petrol and half its diesel fuel. The attack also damaged a high-rise residential building, an industrial facility, and several private homes, resulting in 17 reported injuries. This significant strike showcased Ukraine's increasing capacity to hit targets deep inside Russia using sophisticated, largely domestically produced long-range drones. While Ukraine frequently targets Moscow with drones, most are intercepted by the city's dense air defense network. However, the sheer volume of Thursday's attack appears to have strained these systems, with videos showing drones flying largely unchallenged. The use of faster, jet-powered missile drones alongside conventional strike drones may have contributed to penetrating Moscow's layered defenses. By targeting critical infrastructure like the oil refinery, Ukraine aims to bring the war's impact closer to ordinary Russian citizens. Previous attacks on energy infrastructure have led to fuel shortages in Russian-occupied Crimea. The long-term effects will depend on the extent of the refinery's damage, Russia's ability to reroute fuel supplies, and Ukraine's capacity for sustained strikes. Psychologically, the attack allowed many Muscovites to witness smoke rising over their capital for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet publicly commented on the strike, a typical response as he often allows officials and state media to address sensitive developments first. A likely Russian response involves renewed large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.