Ukrainian Drones Hit Moscow Refinery 10 Miles From Kremlin as G7 Leaders Refocus on War
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 16
Ukrainian Drones Hit Moscow Refinery 10 Miles From Kremlin as G7 Leaders Refocus on War
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 16
Summary
Dozens of Ukrainian drones struck Moscow overnight, hitting the Moscow Oil Refinery about 10 miles from the Kremlin as G7 leaders met with Volodymyr Zelensky in France.
Zelensky called the strike a “just response” to Russia’s barrage on Kyiv and other cities a day earlier that killed at least 11 people and damaged major cultural sites.
The refinery supplies more than one-third of Moscow’s fuel, underscoring Kyiv’s strategy of raising the war’s cost for the Kremlin by targeting Russian energy infrastructure.
At the summit, Zelensky pressed Donald Trump for more air-defense missiles, while Trump said Ukraine was not a top U.S. priority and that Washington was focused on Iran.
The exchange highlighted Europe’s growing role as Ukraine’s main backer as G7 allies increasingly prepare to act with less reliance on the United States.
As drone strikes hit Russian refineries, are rising oil prices paradoxically strengthening the Kremlin's war chest?
With fuel rationing now reaching Moscow, is the economic reality of the war finally hitting ordinary Russians?
Ukraine’s Drone Offensive Cripples 20% of Russian Refining: Fuel Shortages, Price Surges, and Economic Fallout in 2026
Overview
In June 2026, a sharp escalation in Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Russian oil refineries, marking a strategic shift to attack secondary processing units essential for producing gasoline and diesel. This new focus caused immediate and widespread fuel shortages across Russia, with prices soaring and economic instability growing. Repairs to these complex refinery units are slow and hampered by sanctions, deepening the crisis. The resulting fuel scarcity and inflation are straining Russia’s economy and public sentiment, while the Kremlin struggles to respond effectively. This campaign highlights how targeted attacks can quickly disrupt a nation’s critical infrastructure and economic stability.