Hundreds of Drones Strike Moscow as Ukraine Escalates Attacks

Ukraine has launched one of its biggest drone offensives against Moscow in two years, targeting important locations including an oil refinery and other infrastructure sites. The attack caused fires, damaged facilities, and forced temporary flight restrictions across the Russian capital.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defense systems destroyed at least 194 drones approaching the city overnight into Thursday. Russian officials described the attack as one of the largest drone strikes on Moscow in recent months.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense said its forces intercepted a total of 555 Ukrainian drones across different regions, including areas near the Sea of Azov. The large-scale operation affected air travel, with flights temporarily suspended at all major airports in Moscow.

The Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district was among the main targets. The facility, which was also attacked earlier this week, suffered damage after drones hit the site. Videos shared online showed heavy smoke rising from the refinery and a large explosion near fuel storage areas.

Other parts of Moscow were also affected. Smoke was reported near the Sadovod Trade Center, while Russian authorities said drone debris damaged an apartment building and a fitness center in the city. A fuel facility in Russia’s Rostov region was also reportedly targeted.

Ukraine said the strikes were part of its broader strategy to target Russian energy infrastructure and military-linked facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky defended the attacks, saying they were a response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities.

Zelensky, speaking during his visit to Brussels, said Ukraine’s long-range operations were showing accuracy and effectiveness. He also thanked international partners for supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Meanwhile, Russia launched its own wave of attacks on Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces fired seven missiles and 239 drones, hitting several locations including energy facilities, a private home, a hangar, and oil-related infrastructure in the Kyiv and Poltava regions.

In recent months, Ukraine has increased attacks on Russian refineries, oil depots, and military facilities. Kyiv says these operations aim to weaken Russia’s ability to finance and continue the war.

The latest drone exchange comes as NATO members discuss further support for Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said talks were continuing to provide Ukraine with necessary defense equipment, including air defense systems.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also said NATO countries were strengthening their commitments, while urging some members to increase their contributions.

The latest developments show that the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to expand beyond the battlefield, with both sides targeting strategic infrastructure through long-range attacks.