Ukraine launches large-scale drone attack on Moscow, hitting oil refinery

Ukraine launched a wave of drone attacks against Moscow early Thursday in one of the largest aerial assaults on the Russian capital since the 2022 invasion began.

Multiple drones reached a Gazprom Neft oil refinery on the outskirts of Moscow, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Thick black smoke rose from the facility following the strikes.

The attack targeted multiple sites across the capital. Sobyanin characterized the assault as large-scale, though he did not provide a complete damage assessment or casualty figures at the time of the initial reports.

Ukraine has conducted recurring drone operations against Russian oil infrastructure and military targets throughout the conflict. The Thursday attack represents a significant escalation in the frequency and scope of strikes directed at Moscow itself.

Russia's air defense systems responded to the incoming drones, but the strikes still penetrated Moscow's defenses and reached their intended targets. The refinery attack adds to a pattern of Ukrainian operations aimed at degrading Russia's energy production and supply capabilities.

The assault occurred as the conflict continues following Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.