Zelenskyy Warns Moscow Will Burn if Russian Strikes Continue
Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow oil refinery for the second time this week, sending plumes of black smoke over the Russian capital, disrupting flights at major airports and prompting Zelenskyy to declare that Moscow will burn if Russia strikes on Ukraine continue. [1][2]
Drones Hit Moscow Refinery for Second Time This Week
The strike on the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district caused fires, oil rain in some suburbs and damage to a residential building and shopping center in the Moscow region. [4][5] Residents in areas such as Lyubertsy and Zheleznodorozhny reported black stains after rain, described as oil rain, following the attack on the facility that supplies more than a third of the Moscow region’s fuel. [4][5] The refinery, operated by Gazpromneft, had already been targeted earlier in the week, with the latest strike producing thick black smoke and occasional flames visible from the southeastern edge of the city. [2][5] Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the attack responded to Russia’s ongoing aggression, noting that the country started a war of aggression and has been killing people for years. [5]
Massive Drone Barrage Intercepted Over Russia
Russian authorities reported intercepting 555 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions, with nearly 200 approaching Moscow in what officials called one of the largest such attacks in two years. [2][3][5] The previous record stood at 81 drones shot down on 17 May. [3] All four major Moscow airports suspended flights temporarily following the drone attack. [2][5] Operations at Sheremetyevo International Airport, Domodedovo International Airport, Vnukovo International Airport and Zhukovsky International Airport were halted until security assessments were completed, creating delays for travellers. [2][5] Russian air defences destroyed 180 drones in an eight-hour period, according to Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin, who described the attempt as the largest on Moscow in two years. [3]
Zelenskyy Defends Strike as Response to Russian Attacks
Zelenskyy described the attack as a justified response to recent Russian strikes that killed at least 10 people in Ukraine on Monday, including damage to the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery. [1][2][4] He stated that the operation was a fully justified response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities and an important result of Ukrainian warriors’ work against facilities that sustain Russia’s war machine. [2] Zelenskyy added that if Ukraine burns, Moscow will burn, and emphasised that Ukrainians never wanted the war. [1] He called for increased sanctions on Russia’s defence, energy and broader economy and for pressure on Putin to end the war, while preparing to meet NATO and EU leaders in Brussels. [1][5]
Casualties and Damage Reported on Both Sides
Russian strikes on Sumy killed one civilian, while strikes on Kyiv and Dnipro caused further deaths and injuries. [3][5] A drone attack on Sumy killed a 56-year-old man in a residential area, and Russian forces also set a station service ablaze. [3] In Dnipro, one man was killed and nine others wounded by a Russian strike. [5] In the Moscow region, drone debris injured 16 people including two children after hitting a residential building in Zhukovsky and damaging other structures. [3][5] The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery suffered damage when a Shahed drone struck the Dormition Cathedral, spreading fire across 800 square metres of roof. [4]
Strike Coincides With Putin’s ASEAN Summit
The strike coincided with Putin hosting an ASEAN summit in Kazan. [2][3][5] Putin emphasised cooperation between Russia and ASEAN nations and called for a global order based on sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs during the gathering that included leaders from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. [2] The timing occurred as Russia seeks to strengthen economic partnerships and diplomatic ties while continuing its military campaign. [2][5] The conflict, now in its fifth year, has seen both sides intensify operations with Ukraine targeting energy infrastructure inside Russia and Moscow launching attacks across Ukrainian territory. [2]
Zelenskyy Calls for Stronger Sanctions and Air Defences
Zelenskyy called for increased sanctions on Russia’s defence, energy and broader economy to force Putin to negotiations. [1][5] He said the supply of air defences to Ukraine through a NATO programme and the creation of an anti-ballistic missile system by Ukraine and its allies would be discussed at the meeting with NATO and EU leaders in Brussels. [1] Zelenskyy urged Europe, the United States and Russians themselves to put pressure on Putin, stating it is time to sober up and end the aggression. [1] He noted that Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire but that Putin has refused. [5]
What to watch next: Zelenskyy is expected to hold talks in Brussels with NATO and European Union leaders on air defences and a possible continental ballistic missile defence system, while both sides continue military operations amid stalled peace efforts. [1][5]
