Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukrainian forces carried out a major overnight strike on Russia’s Moscow region, hitting a key oil industry facility and a logistics site. The attack came amid what Russian officials described as the largest-ever drone assault on Moscow.
Zelensky said Ukraine’s long-range weapons had a “very significant impact” in the Moscow region. He confirmed that a major Russian oil facility and a logistics installation were hit, saying such facilities generate revenue that supports Russia’s war effort.
Moscow Oil Refinery Hit
Ukraine’s General Staff said its forces struck the Gazprom Neft Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district during the night of September 20. A large fire was reported at the facility following the attack. Ukrainian officials said several processing units were damaged.
The refinery is one of Russia’s major oil-processing facilities, with an annual crude-processing capacity of roughly 11–12 million tonnes. It produces products including gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said several drones reached the refinery, while Russian authorities reported that air-defence systems intercepted large numbers of drones approaching the capital.
More Than 1,600 Drones Reportedly Intercepted
Russian officials said more than 1,600 Ukrainian drones were intercepted or destroyed across defensive lines since Saturday, including around 450 approaching Moscow. The wider attack affected multiple locations in the Moscow region.
At least two people were killed in the Moscow region, while officials reported injuries and damage to civilian infrastructure. A drone-related fire at a high-rise building in the Ramensky district reportedly led to the evacuation of around 400 residents.
Attack Comes During Russia's Election
The strikes occurred on the final day of Russia’s parliamentary elections. Moscow’s mayor alleged that the attack was intended to disrupt voting, though that assessment is a Russian official's claim rather than an independently established fact.
The latest strikes mark another escalation in Ukraine’s campaign against Russian energy and logistics infrastructure, as both sides continue conducting long-range attacks during the ongoing war.