'It is time the war ended': Zelenskyy confirms strike on Moscow oil refinery
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Last night, Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow Oil Refinery for the second time this week. Other targets in Russia and in the occupied territories of Ukraine were also attacked, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Last night, our long-range sanctions once again reached the Moscow region – for the second time this week, the Moscow oil refinery was hit. Targets were also struck in the Rostov region and in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine," the President says.
He notes that this is a fully justified response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and communities and another important result of the Ukrainian Defense Forces’ operations against facilities that support the Russian war machine.
The head of state thanks Ukraine's defense and security forces, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Special Operations Forces, Defense Intelligence, and the missile brigade for their joint efforts and precision.
"In recent days, all of our partners have noted the precision and effectiveness of our mid-range strikes and long-range sanctions. It is time the war ended, and Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy." Zelenskyy emphasizes.
The SBU clarifies that at least four major fire zones have been detected at the Moscow oil refinery. Huge plumes of thick black smoke are rising and are visible from various districts of Moscow.
Preliminary reports indicate that Ukrainian drones struck the tank farm, the crude oil processing unit (which performs primary processing of crude oil), and the diesel fuel hydrotreating unit.
The Moscow oil refinery is the largest in Moscow. The facility supplies a significant portion of the Russian capital’s fuel market, providing key volumes of gasoline and over 50% of the region’s diesel fuel, as well as fuel for Moscow’s airports.
Following a previous attack by the SBU and the Defense Forces on June 16 of this year, the plant had already temporarily suspended operations.
Attack on Moscow
On Thursday, June 18, during the night and early morning, Moscow and the surrounding region came under the most intense attack by Ukrainian drones. The oil refinery in Kapotnya was once again targeted. A massive fire is still raging there.
Due to the attack, the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD), one of the city’s most important transportation arteries, is partially closed. Drivers are asked to find detours.
Also, due to the threat in the sky, authorities were forced to implement the Carpet Plan. Drones forced the suspension of operations at all Moscow airports: Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, and Sheremetyevo.
For more details on the results of the massive attack on Moscow, read the RBC-Ukraine report.
