Ukraine carried out a large-scale drone attack on the Russian capital Moscow on Thursday, reportedly launching hundreds of drones and striking an oil refinery in the city. The attack triggered explosions and fires in several areas, with thick smoke seen rising over parts of the capital.
According to international media reports, flames and smoke were visible in the Kapotnya district in southeastern Moscow, where a key oil refinery is located. The facility plays an important role in supplying fuel to the Russian capital.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an audio message shared with journalists, said that Ukraine does not want war, but warned that if Ukraine is burned, Moscow will not remain safe. The Ukrainian military also said that other energy and infrastructure targets in southern Russia were struck.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed that a total of 555 drones were intercepted across the country, including 180 near the Moscow region. Russian officials described the attack as one of the largest drone assaults this year.
Following the attack, all airports in Moscow were temporarily shut down, and traffic was suspended in areas near the refinery. Security measures were tightened across the city as authorities assessed the damage caused by the strikes, marking the Moscow drone attack as a major escalation in the ongoing conflict.