Ukraine’s Drone Attack on Moscow Oil Refinery Amid Russian Strikes

On Tuesday, as the Group of 7 leaders convened for a summit addressing Russia’s war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow’s oil refinery, located approximately 10 miles from the Kremlin.

Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, confirmed that the city had been attacked by numerous drones, with at least one striking the Moscow Oil Refinery. He reported no fatalities or injuries from the attack but did not elaborate on the extent of damage.

The Ukrainian drone strike followed a Russian assault on Kyiv and other cities with missiles and drones that killed at least 11 people and injured dozens. Among the damaged sites was the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a revered cathedral in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

In a video statement on Tuesday, Mr. Zelensky commented on the drone attack, calling it a fair response to Russian aggression and the ongoing conflict perpetuated by the Kremlin.

Strategically located in the Kapotnya district of Moscow, the oil refinery supplies more than a third of the city’s fuel, including jet fuel and other petroleum products, according to industry reports.

While advocating for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin to end the war, the Ukrainian military aims to increase pressure on Russia by targeting vital oil and gas facilities.

Mr. Zelensky stated, “Russia must be forced to end its war against our people,” emphasizing the need to curb the Kremlin’s actions.

Marc Santora has extensively reported from Ukraine since the war’s inception. His career includes previous roles in London as an international news editor for breaking news and as the bureau chief for East and Central Europe based in Warsaw. Additionally, he has covered stories from Iraq and Africa.