Ukraine intensifies drone strikes on Moscow, halting major oil refinery operations

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11 months · 18 summary articles
Ukraine launched another wave of drone attacks on Moscow on Friday, June 19, 2026, with Russian air defenses claiming to have shot down 35 drones in just 90 minutes. This follows a massive drone strike on Thursday that targeted a major oil refinery in the Russian capital, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
The latest drone attacks come as part of a broader campaign by Ukraine to bring the war to Russian soil. On Thursday, nearly 200 drones targeted the Gazprom Neft-operated refinery in the Kapotnya district, causing fires and sending towering columns of black smoke into the sky. At least 17 people were injured in that attack, and all four of Moscow’s international airports—Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and an unnamed fourth facility—were closed.
The ongoing drone attacks have caused significant damage and casualties on both sides. Russian strikes across Ukraine have resulted in 11 deaths and 63 injuries over the past day, with drones targeting foreign ships in the Odesa Oblast. In addition, Russian forces have damaged over 40 homes in Kharkiv and injured three people in a drone strike on a business in Zaporizhzhia.
The international community has responded to the escalating conflict with increased support for Ukraine. The UK has pledged to send Ukraine 150,000 drones and air defense systems using proceeds from frozen Russian assets. Western allies have also pledged $4 billion in military aid for Ukraine.
The strategic implications of these drone attacks are significant. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the attack on the Moscow oil refinery, stating that it was "a just response to the constant Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities and towns." The oil refinery is one of the largest facilities in Russia and covers a significant proportion of the capital's fuel demands.
The Kremlin has stated that they are taking necessary measures to counter Ukrainian drone attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that European attempts to negotiate from a position of strength would be futile as aerial warfare intensifies between Moscow and Kyiv.
The escalating drone attacks have brought the war closer to Russian soil, causing concern and uncertainty in Moscow. François Heisbourg, a special adviser to the Foundation for Strategic Research, noted that the war has now entered the daily lives of Muscovites, demonstrating the vulnerability of Russia.
In addition to the attacks on Moscow, Ukraine has also targeted railway bridges near Rozdolne and Vladyslavivka in occupied Crimea, as well as targets near Sievierodonetsk, Mariupol, and multiple UAV control posts. The Moscow refinery has stopped oil processing indefinitely after confirmed hits on processing units and tanks.
The conflict has also seen incidents of retaliation against Western support for Ukraine. A French drone manufacturer supplying Ukraine was attacked with Molotov cocktails.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community watches closely, with the situation in Ukraine and Russia becoming increasingly volatile.
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