Strike on the Moscow Oil Refinery
On June 18, Ukrainian long-range drones breached Moscow’s air defenses for the second time in seven days, hitting the strategically important Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya. The explosion triggered a fuel tank’s detonation, ripping off its roof and sending it several meters into the air. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the strike on the refinery, praising the precision and effectiveness of the drones.
Social Media Reactions
In the wake of the attack, four Moscow airports—Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky—temporarily halted all incoming and outgoing flights. This unfolded as a wave of memes swept through Ukrainian social media, with users reacting humorously. One unidentified user called it a "pleasant morning trifle." Others, watching videos from Moscow, joked that "the guys from Alpha Centauri showed up for new contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces," while another commented, "I thought this photo was fake until I found the video."
Zelensky, who also played Napoleon Bonaparte in the Ukrainian-Russian comedy film "Rzhevsky vs. Napoleon," became a topic of discussion in relation to the event. One user highlighted a
“Miniature: Napoleon watches Moscow burn”—a sarcastic remark reflecting the overall mood of Ukrainian users actively engaging with the news.
Social media also saw a flood of other comments, including:
- “What a perfect metaphor in the frame. The Muscovites will feel it all.”
- “This is me waking up and watching today’s morning content from Moscow.”
- “The contest for the best caption for this photo” has already begun.
The strike on the Moscow Oil Refinery has sparked widespread reactions among Ukrainians, as reflected in their lively social media activity.
This attack on the Moscow Oil Refinery marks a significant moment in the Ukraine-Russia war, showcasing Ukraine’s ability to strike deep behind enemy lines. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian public’s response on social media highlights strong morale and support for the military’s efforts. The incident could shape future military and information campaigns for both sides in the conflict.
The recent drone strike on the Moscow Oil Refinery is not an isolated incident. In fact, just days earlier, similar attacks disrupted operations at multiple airports in the region. For a more detailed account of how these drone strikes are affecting air travel and security in Moscow, you can read about the impact of Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow's airports.