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Ukraine Unleashes Massive Drone Barrage On Moscow

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Ukraine launched one of its largest drone assaults of the war on Thursday, targeting Moscow and key energy infrastructure deep inside Russian territory in a dramatic escalation of the conflict.

The attack, which involved nearly 200 drones aimed at the Russian capital alone, struck the Kapotnya oil refinery southeast of Moscow and temporarily disrupted operations at several major airports, highlighting Ukraine’s growing ability to project force hundreds of miles beyond the front lines. Russian authorities said air defense systems intercepted a large number of incoming drones, with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin claiming that more than 190 drones were shot down around the capital.

Despite those efforts, multiple drones penetrated Moscow’s layered air defense network and reached their intended targets, causing fires, damage to industrial facilities and injuries to civilians. Russian officials reported at least 17 people were wounded in the attack.

The primary target appeared to be the Kapotnya oil refinery, one of the most important energy facilities serving the Russian capital. The refinery supplies a significant portion of Moscow’s gasoline and diesel fuel and has become an increasingly attractive target for Ukrainian planners seeking to disrupt Russia’s economic and military logistics.

Video circulating on social media showed large explosions and flames rising from the facility after the strikes. Ukrainian officials later claimed the operation successfully damaged critical infrastructure at the site.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky framed the attack as retaliation for recent Russian missile and drone strikes that have battered Ukrainian cities. In particular, Kyiv pointed to a Russian strike that damaged the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, a UNESCO-recognized cultural and religious landmark.

Zelensky suggested that Russia could no longer expect immunity from the consequences of its attacks on Ukrainian territory. Early in the conflict, Ukrainian attacks inside Russia were relatively limited and often symbolic. Today, domestically produced long-range drones are capable of traveling hundreds of miles and evading sophisticated Russian air defense systems.

Ukraine appears to have employed newer drone designs, including jet-powered systems that are faster and more difficult to intercept than earlier models. Beyond the physical damage, the attack carried significant psychological and political implications.

Moscow has largely been shielded from the day-to-day realities of the war despite being the center of political power in Russia. Residents reported hearing explosions, seeing smoke over the city and witnessing debris falling from the sky.

Images of drones flying over the Russian capital have become increasingly common, challenging the Kremlin’s narrative that the conflict remains distant from ordinary Russians. The operation also represents the latest phase of Ukraine’s campaign against Russian energy infrastructure.

Over the past year, Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted oil refineries, fuel depots and export facilities across Russia. Ukrainian officials have described these strikes as “long-range sanctions,” arguing that they are intended to reduce the revenues Moscow uses to fund its war effort while simultaneously disrupting military supply chains.

Previous attacks have contributed to fuel shortages and operational disruptions at several major Russian facilities. Russia responded by launching additional missile and drone strikes against targets across Ukraine.

With Ukraine increasingly capable of striking strategic targets deep inside Russia and Moscow continuing its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities, the conflict appears poised to enter an even more dangerous and unpredictable phase.

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