Ukrainian drones hit Moscow oil refinery, causing massive fire

Attack on Moscow Oil Refinery

Early on June 18, Ukrainian drones broke through Moscow's layered air defense and hit the Moscow Oil Refinery (MNPZ) in Kapotnya, causing a massive fire. Videos circulated on social media show multiple ignition points at the refinery. Thick black smoke columns rise over the city, visible from various districts of Moscow.

At 6 a.m., Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin stated that air defense forces were continuing to repel a mass attack, but several drones reached the refinery. He assured that measures were being taken to liquidate the consequences. Russian authorities claimed to have shot down 43 drones, but several reached their target.

Strategic importance of the refinery

The MNPZ is located just 15 kilometers from the Kremlin and is a critical fuel infrastructure facility for the Russian capital. It supplies about 40% of Moscow region's gasoline and 50% of its diesel fuel, as well as providing aviation fuel for military needs. This strike is a significant blow to Russia's military machine and the aggressor's economy.

Previous attacks

On June 16, Ukrainian drones had already attacked the same refinery, damaging the primary oil processing unit ELOU-AVT-6, which forced the plant to temporarily halt operations.