Ukraine Hits Moscow Refinery 500 Kilometers Away as Russian Raid Killed 11 in Kyiv
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Jun 16
Ukraine Hits Moscow Refinery 500 Kilometers Away as Russian Raid Killed 11 in Kyiv
3 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Jun 16
Summary
A Ukrainian drone strike overnight set part of the Moscow Oil Refinery ablaze, with Zelensky saying the drones flew 500 kilometers in one of Kyiv's biggest attacks on the Russian capital this year.
The refinery supplies about 40% of petroleum demand around Moscow, and a processing unit was set alight, raising the risk of a shutdown or significant capacity loss.
Russian officials said air defenses intercepted 60 drones over Moscow and reported no injuries, though one drone damaged an unspecified facility at the plant.
Zelensky cast the strike as a direct response to Monday's Russian assault on Kyiv, which killed at least 11 people and damaged a cathedral and monastery ahead of G7 ceasefire talks.
Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian refineries, pipelines and storage sites to squeeze war funding, and Moscow has already acknowledged temporary fuel-supply problems in southern Russia.
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.