Satellite Images Reveal Damage After Second Drone Strike on Moscow Oil Refinery

Strike on Moscow Refinery

According to Главком: Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya for a second time on June 18. According to information published by Radio Free Europe's Russian service, the attack damaged storage tanks and the AVT-6 primary oil processing units. Satellite imagery shows visible signs of impact at the facility. Additionally, traces of a fire were detected at the nearby Sadovod market, which is located close to the refinery.

On the morning of June 18, drones once again targeted the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district. Reports of fires at other industrial sites in the Moscow region also surfaced online. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that this was the second strike on the Moscow refinery within a week, emphasizing the importance of ending the war and urging Russia to take diplomatic steps. This marks a notable escalation in Ukraine's campaign to disrupt Russian infrastructure beyond the front lines.

Kremlin Response and International Support

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia's air defense system is performing at a high level. He also reiterated that Russia is supposedly ready for negotiations with Ukraine. According to Peskov,

“Russia will continue to strike targets in Ukraine.”

In reaction to the events, Russian social media was flooded with panicked and sarcastic comments. One eyewitness wrote: “All of Moscow is burning, for f*ck's sake. I'm getting the hell out!”

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine's partners have praised the precision and effectiveness of medium-range strikes and long-range sanctions, highlighting the importance of international support in this situation.

These attacks on the Moscow refinery are seen as part of a new Ukrainian strategy aimed at reducing Russia's military and economic capabilities during the conflict. The Kremlin's responses indicate growing concern over the security of industrial facilities on Russian territory, which could impact domestic policy and public opinion. The events also underscore the importance of continued international support for Ukraine as it fights to preserve its territorial integrity and independence.

The recent drone strikes on the Moscow Oil Refinery are part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to target critical infrastructure, which has raised concerns in the Kremlin. For a deeper understanding of this escalating situation and the implications it has on the conflict, read more about the recent attacks near the Kremlin that have drawn significant attention and reactions from both sides.