Zelensky Confirms Second Strike on Moscow Oil Refinery Within a Week

Moscow Under Attack: Reactions and Fallout

According to Главком: Robert Brovdi (known as Madyar), the commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, addressed the second assault on the Russian capital in just seven days. He stated, 'Moscow will indeed fall-and not on a beach in Crimea. The Kremlin understands this: there are fewer and fewer untouchable or unreachable zones. The conveyor belt of retribution is running.' The strike occurred on June 18, when drones targeted the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that this marked the second hit on the facility within the week.

The attack led to a temporary suspension of arrivals and departures at all four Moscow airports-Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky. Thick smoke covered parts of the city and its suburbs, and video footage captured the detonation of a fuel tank at the refinery.

An eyewitness in Moscow commented on the scene, saying, 'All of Moscow is burning like hell. I'm getting the f*ck out of here!'

Additionally, one of the drones used in the attack bore the inscription: 'Muscovites, how do you like these bonds?' Zelensky also expressed his view that 'it's time to end this war, and Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy.'

Escalating Tensions

Events continue to unfold, and the situation in Moscow remains tense.

This strike on Moscow is part of the growing friction between Ukraine and Russia, as Ukraine increasingly employs drone technology to hit strategic targets on enemy soil. The Kremlin's potential responses to such actions may include:

• bolstering military presence in the region
• adjusting defense strategies

At the same time, the Ukrainian president's remarks signal a desire to pursue diplomatic resolutions to the conflict, which could hint at possible new phases in negotiations between the two nations.

The recent drone strikes in Moscow are part of a broader strategy employed by Ukraine, which has also seen attacks on military assets in Russia. For instance, just days before the Moscow refinery assault, Ukrainian drones targeted naval depots near St. Petersburg, highlighting the intensifying conflict. To understand the full scope of these developments and their implications, read more about the Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian military facilities.