Ukrainian drone attack on Russia sets refinery ablaze, paralyzes air traffic

Ukraine launched one of its largest drone assaults of the year on Thursday, striking targets including a refinery in Moscow and causing widespread disruption to civilian air traffic. In response, Russia retaliated with missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and other areas, resulting in casualties in both countries, according to authorities.

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The Ukraine has launched hundreds of drone attacks on Russia, hitting a refinery in Moscow and paralyzing air traffic.

The Russian air defense system reportedly intercepted 555 Ukrainian drones nationwide overnight. State news agency Tass indicated this was one of the most significant attacks this year. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that approximately 180 drones were intercepted over the capital alone. Several drones reportedly reached a refinery in the Kapotnya district in southeastern Moscow, with eyewitnesses describing flames and smoke plumes rising from the facility.

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Russia attacked its capital Kyiv again with missiles and carried out further air raids on other parts of the country.

This marks the second strike on the refinery this week, and the sustained Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure are exacerbating an existing fuel crisis. Sources suggest Russia may need to import gasoline by sea this month to avert shortages. The drone attacks also led to traffic stoppages on the Moscow Ring Road near the refinery and the temporary suspension of flights at Moscow's airports for security reasons. Many individuals sought shelter in parking garages at Sheremetyevo Airport, the city's largest, as numerous videos of the attacks circulated on social media.

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In both countries, several people died according to authorities.

Beyond Moscow, Ukraine's drone strikes also targeted other Russian and Russian-controlled regions. One fatality was reported in the Belgorod border region, with several injuries in Belgorod and Kursk, as well as in the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine's Donetsk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the attack on the refinery, characterizing it as part of Ukraine's "long-range sanctions." Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts, including those involving U.S. President Donald Trump, to broker a peace agreement between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin have remained fruitless. Putin, who ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago, continues to refuse direct negotiations with Zelenskyy.

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The Russian air defense shot down 555 Ukrainian drones nationwide during the night.