A wave of Ukrainian drones has successfully breached Russia's air defenses, delivering a devastating blow to one of Moscow's main oil refineries. The strike targeted the Kapotnya Oil Refinery, located just 10 miles from the Kremlin, which supplies up to 70% of the oil demands for Moscow and surrounding areas. This attack is expected to further strain Russia's war economy as fuel shortages continue to plague the country.
Fuel Shortages Spread Across Russia
At least 25 areas in Russia have reported fuel shortages, despite the nation being one of the world's top three oil producers. Ukrainian forces have effectively blocked nearly all new fuel supplies to Crimea and other Russian-occupied territories through a series of attacks on tankers, trucks, and key bridges.
These fuel blockades have raised questions about Russia's ability to hold onto occupied territories. Previously, Russia was forced to suspend flights at all four major Moscow airports—Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky—due to jet fuel shortages.
Zelenskyy Discusses Peace at G7 Summit
The development comes as world leaders gather for the G7 summit, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed ideas on how to force Russia into peace. In a post on X, Zelenskyy stated: "This time, the Moscow region felt the reach of Ukraine's long-range capabilities. An oil refinery was hit at a distance of 500 kilometres. This is a just response to Russian strikes and to the dragging out of a war that must be ended."
While en route to the G7 summit, the Ukrainian leader also claimed that Putin had waived peace talks. Zelenskyy said: "We offered Putin to meet anywhere where real decisions could be made to end the war. He doesn't want that. We discussed with the US and France the possibility of a meeting with Russia on the sidelines of the G7 summit involving all democratic states, but Putin doesn't want that either."
Russia Confirms Damage
Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, stated that at least 60 drones from the attack were shot down but admitted the oil refinery was damaged. He said: "Over the past 24 hours, enemy drones have continued to attack Moscow. One of the drones damaged a facility at the Moscow Refinery. There were no casualties. Emergency services are working at the scene."
