Oil & Gas

A Ukrainian drone strike on an oil refinery in southeastern Moscow triggered a major fire on Thursday, marking the second attack on the facility within three days. The explosion was so powerful that the lid of a large oil storage tank was blown high into the air. Thick black smoke rose over the Russian capital after the drones reportedly bypassed air defense systems.

The refinery attack is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to target Russia’s oil industry, which helps finance Moscow’s military operations. By hitting critical infrastructure located only about 16 kilometers from the Kremlin, Kyiv is also seeking to demonstrate to ordinary Russians that the consequences of the war can reach deep inside their country.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, said the strike was intended to remind Russians of the war their government launched against Ukraine. Kyiv argues that its ability to conduct attacks far from the front lines shows it is gaining momentum in the conflict, a message that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently emphasized during meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and other G7 leaders.

The attack caused significant disruption across Moscow. Flights were suspended at all city airports, road traffic near the refinery was halted, and some residents complained they received no warning before the strike. Reports also suggested that traces of oil fell on cars and buildings in nearby suburbs. The incident highlights the growing economic impact of Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s energy sector, which has contributed to fuel shortages and rising gasoline prices in some regions.