Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Moscow Are Spectacular – But Also Risky

Spectacular Ukrainian drone attacks on an oil refinery near Moscow have generated dramatic videos circulating globally, showing parts of the Russian capital covered in an oil film and debris from an exploding depot. Kyiv appears to be signaling to Vladimir Putin that the war could soon engulf his own territory.

However, the article cautions that these attacks carry significant risks for Ukraine. It emphasizes that Kyiv must meticulously avoid any civilian casualties. The author suggests that any deaths among Moscow's civilian population resulting from Ukrainian strikes could inadvertently serve Putin's interests, potentially providing him with valuable propaganda material.

The piece notes that many Muscovites watched the refinery attacks with disbelief. The scale of the assault, described as the most massive Ukrainian drone attack to date on the city, has undeniably brought the conflict closer to home for Russians. The visual impact of the oil slick and the airborne debris underscores the reach and intent of the Ukrainian operation.