Back
World News

Ukraine and Russia Launch Widespread Drone and Missile Attacks; G7 Discusses Further Support

Generated on: Last updated: 2 sources
View source

Ukraine Strikes Moscow Oil Refinery in Coordinated Overnight Attack

Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow Oil Refinery Thursday, forcing the temporary halt of commercial flights at four Moscow airports and causing damage to residential and commercial buildings.

The attack came simultaneously with a Russian ballistic missile strike on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, marking one of the most significant coordinated exchanges in recent weeks.

Details of the Attacks

On Russian Territory

Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow Oil Refinery, located approximately 15 km from the Kremlin. This marks the second such attack on the facility within a week.

  • The attack caused fires at the refinery, which Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin described as a strategically important enterprise that provides approximately 40% of Moscow's petrol and oil products.
  • In the Moscow region, a drone hit a residential building in the town of Zhukovsky.
  • Debris from intercepted drones also damaged private houses, a car, a fitness center, an industrial facility, and a shopping mall.
  • One woman was reported injured in the attacks on the Moscow region.
  • Flights at Sheremetyevo airport and three other Moscow airports were temporarily suspended. Sheremetyevo airport also evacuated people.

The Russian Defence Ministry reported that its air defenses shot down 555 Ukrainian drones overnight, with nearly 200 intercepted near Moscow.

On Ukrainian Territory

Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, came under a Russian attack with ballistic missiles, according to city officials. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, issued a warning via Telegram regarding the attack.

  • Ukraine reported intercepting most of the 239 drones and seven ballistic missiles launched overnight by Russian forces.
  • In the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine, one person was killed in a separate drone attack, local officials reported.
  • This week, a major Russian attack on Kyiv resulted in 11 fatalities and damage to a UNESCO-listed monastery. Russia has denied striking the monastery.

Statements and Reactions

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the drone attack on Russia is part of efforts to force Russia to negotiate an end to the war.

"It is time the war ended, and Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha addressed Russia directly on X: "Your country started a war of aggression against ours... ask Putin when he is planning to end it."

Russia

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin confirmed the attack on the refinery and the damage to the shopping centre.

International

  • President Zelenskyy held a coordination call with U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other G7 leaders.
  • French President Macron confirmed that G7 summit pledges to further support Ukraine, stating "America is with us on Ukraine."
  • The G7 leaders agreed to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses and tighten sanctions on Russian oil and gas.
  • President Trump stated he would do "whatever he can" to end the war.

Background and Context

  • Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian oil facilities. Officials state this is intended to reduce Moscow's revenue from oil sales used to fund the war.
  • The Moscow Oil Refinery accounts for over a third of the capital region's fuel market.
  • The recent attack on Moscow follows a Ukrainian drone strike on St. Petersburg, which occurred during an economic forum earlier this month.
  • The United States has reduced its aid to Ukraine under President Trump, with European nations now being the largest suppliers of military and financial assistance.