Ukraine Strikes Moscow Oil Refinery for Second Time This Week
Drone Attacks Disrupt Moscow Energy Infrastructure
Poinews.com – Early Thursday, Ukrainian forces executed a series of drone strikes on Moscow, intensifying their focus on Russian energy targets. According to Moscow’s mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, the city’s air defenses intercepted 180 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) but several managed to hit a key oil refinery. This marks the refinery’s second hit within the week, raising concerns about the vulnerability of Moscow’s industrial sectors.
“Several” UAVs succeeded in striking the refinery during a “massive” attack, Sobyanin stated in Telegram updates, while emergency services addressed multiple incidents across the city.
Secondary Damage Spreads Across Moscow
Compounding the attack, a fire ignited at a shopping centre in southeast Moscow due to drone debris, as reported by Andrey Vorobyov, the Moscow region governor. Another drone reportedly damaged an apartment building in Zhukovsky, disrupting a fire escape. Video clips shared online depict a significant explosion and flames at the refinery site, underscoring the scale of the assault.
Ukrainian Campaign Targets Russian Energy Assets
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the refinery strike on X, sharing footage of the aftermath. He emphasized that Kyiv has escalated strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, framing the effort as a “just” campaign against Moscow. Previous attacks include the Kuibyshev refinery in Samara and two facilities in Vladimir, as outlined by Zelenskyy in recent statements.
“Targets were also struck in the Rostov region and temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy noted, detailing the breadth of the campaign.
Reciprocation: Russia Strikes Back in Poltava
While Ukraine launched its attacks, Russia retaliated by targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Local officials in Poltava reported a strike on an energy facility, resulting in one injury. The Poltava Regional State Administration noted additional damage to an industrial site and a business in the area.
International Engagement and Strategic Goals
Zelenskyy’s recent visit to Brussels included meetings with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Discussions centered on the NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a procurement tool, and broader efforts to pressure Moscow. During the talks, Zelenskyy sought more air defense missiles and reaffirmed demands for intensified sanctions against Russia.
Regional Summit Focuses on Cooperation
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosts Southeast Asian leaders at the ASEAN-Russia summit in Kazan. Delegates from 11 nations, including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, are expected to explore strategic partnerships and new initiatives in political, economic, and humanitarian areas.
