Moscow Under Drone Attack
On June 18, drones struck Moscow, hitting the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district. This marked the second time in a week that the facility was targeted. In response, all four of Moscow’s major airports—Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky—temporarily halted incoming and outgoing flights. Thick smoke blanketed the capital and surrounding areas in the aftermath.
Russian state propagandist Vladimir Solovyov urged residents not to panic, stating:
“Don’t be hysterical. Understand that a war is going on. Draw strength, including from family stories.”He went further, suggesting that those who are 'weak' or do not feel connected to Russia should leave the country: 'If you are weak, if you have nothing Russian in you, follow the path of traitors. Leave the Motherland.'
Reactions to the Events
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the Moscow Oil Refinery had been hit for the second time in a week. He stressed the need to end the war and called on Russia to take diplomatic steps:
“It is time to end this war, and Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy.”
Following the attack, pro-war Russian Z-bloggers began urging Moscow residents to gather in the city center. However, many Muscovites expressed anxiety over further strikes and questioned official claims that all Ukrainian drones had been destroyed. Footage of the explosion at the Moscow Oil Refinery, which circulated online, captured the moment one of the fuel tanks detonated. A witness to the events remarked: 'All of Moscow is burning, damn it. I’m getting the hell out!'
The situation in the capital remains tense, with residents continuing to react to the unfolding events around them.
The strikes on Moscow—particularly on key infrastructure targets—highlight the rising tensions in the region and are fueling public unease. While authorities attempt to reassure the population, the reactions of residents point to a growing sense of alarm. These developments could shape the future trajectory of the conflict and influence diplomatic efforts aimed at ending it.
The recent drone strikes have not only caused chaos in Moscow but have also led to significant unrest within the Russian political sphere. This has prompted reactions from various officials, including members of the State Duma, who are grappling with the implications of these attacks. To understand more about the escalating tension and its impact on governance, read our detailed report on the panic within Russia's legislative body following the attacks.