Kenneth Glad
Smoke is rising over key infrastructure as the war reaches into another major city today. Officials are reporting disruption, damage and renewed pressure on air defences.
Ukrainian drones have struck several locations across Moscow today in what The Guardian describes as Kyiv’s largest air raid on the Russian capital since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
The British newspaper reports that the Kapotno oil refinery has been hit for the second time in two days, with footage online showing smoke rising from the site. It also says that the refinery supplies up to 40% of Moscow’s petrol and about half of its diesel.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has linked the raid to Russia’s recent strike on a historic monastery complex in Kyiv:
“We do not want this war and never did. But if Ukraine is going to burn, your Moscow will burn too … It is time to end the aggression, time to end this war.”
Airports halt flights
Russian officials claim air defences have intercepted 555 Ukrainian drones overnight, though that figure has not been independently confirmed. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin says about 180 drones heading toward the capital have been downed.
“Air defence forces are continuing to repel a large-scale attack, but several drones managed to reach the [Moscow oil refinery],” Sobyanin said.
The Guardian writes that air traffic has been disrupted at Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports.
Sheremetyevo has suspended flights and evacuated some areas, while traffic near the refinery has been halted.
Regional officials are also reporting damage to homes, a high-rise building, an industrial facility and a shopping centre.
Fuel sites face pressure
Ukraine has increasingly been reported to target Russian refineries in recent months, focusing on energy infrastructure tied to Moscow’s war economy.
Refinery strikes can affect fuel supply, repairs, transport and military logistics. The paper reports that Russia is preparing fuel imports by sea as damage to refining capacity strains domestic supply.
Today’s raid follows heavy Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Officials have also reported deaths or damage in Sumy, Enerhodar, Belgorod and Rostov.
Russian hardliners are demanding escalation after the Moscow strikes, while authorities in the capital are still dealing with fire damage, airport disruption and questions over how many drones reached their targets.
Source: The Guardian
