Drone Assault Forces Shutdown of Moscow Oil Refinery Amid Growing Conflict

Significant Drone Strike Halts Operations at Moscow Oil Refinery

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: In the early hours of September 20, the Moscow Oil Refinery was forced to cease operations following a large-scale drone attack that damaged two of its primary crude oil distillation units. Recovery efforts are expected to take several weeks. From September 21 onward, fuel from this facility has been withdrawn from trading on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange.

The refinery's total processing capacity was divided between two main units:

• The AVT-6 unit, handling 21,400 tons per day, accounting for 53% of the plant's total capacity,
• The “Euro+” complex, processing 18,800 tons daily, representing the remaining 47%.

In 2024, the facility processed 11.6 million tons of crude oil, producing millions of tons of gasoline, diesel, and bitumen.

Widespread Drone Offensive Targets Moscow and Surrounding Region

On the night of September 19–20, Moscow and the Moscow region experienced an intense assault involving various types of drones. The attack on Moscow deployed FP-1, RZ-100, MICH-2000, "Palyanytsya," Vendetta, "Lyutiy," "Bars," "Sichen," as well as "Flamingo" missiles. It is believed that alongside the Moscow Oil Refinery, the warehouse complex "Modern Warehouse Technologies" was also hit during this operation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the incident, stating, "Moscow should stop focusing on building layered air defense rings through other regions and instead end its brutal war and choose peace. There are concrete steps on the table for de-escalation in energy and food security sectors. Political will is essential."

This attack on the Moscow refinery reflects a broader intensification of the ongoing conflict, marked by evolving tactical approaches. The loss of refining capacity threatens regional energy stability, given the refinery's key role in fuel supply. President Zelensky's remarks highlight the urgent need for political engagement and conflict de-escalation, which could be pivotal in shaping the region's future trajectory.

The recent drone assault not only targeted the Moscow Oil Refinery but also impacted the broader regional infrastructure. For a detailed account of how this nighttime strike has disrupted oil processing and contributed to the escalating tensions in the area, see our coverage on the halt of oil operations at the refinery.