Lavrov Vows More Large-Scale Strikes on Ukraine After Drones Hit Refinery 15 Kilometers From Kremlin
Updated
Updated · UNITED24 Media · Jun 18
Lavrov Vows More Large-Scale Strikes on Ukraine After Drones Hit Refinery 15 Kilometers From Kremlin
3 articles · Updated · UNITED24 Media · Jun 18
Summary
Sergey Lavrov said on June 18 that Russia will keep launching regular, large-scale strikes on Ukraine under Vladimir Putin’s direct standing orders, portraying the campaign as open-ended.
Dozens of Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow and nearby areas hours earlier, with several reaching the Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya, about 15 kilometers southeast of the Kremlin.
Lavrov said Moscow had shifted to “systematic strikes” on sites it claims support Ukraine’s armed forces and decision-making, arguing that “words are not enough.”
Russia routinely presents its long-range attacks as aimed at military capacity, but the strikes have repeatedly hit residential areas, power generation and other civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on June 17 that Ukraine has the right to strike military targets inside Russia in self-defense, rejecting calls to ease pressure on Moscow for peace talks.