Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that on the night of June 16, Ukrainian forces targeted an oil refinery located approximately 500 kilometers from the border with Ukraine. This operation marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In a statement shared on Telegram, Zelensky expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian military and intelligence services for their successful operation, stating, “The Russian region of Moscow has felt our long-range capabilities this time. An oil refinery has been hit at a distance of 500 kilometers.” He characterized the attack as a justified response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and a reaction to the prolonged nature of the conflict.
“Russia must be compelled to end its war against our people. Ukrainian long-range weaponry is a crucial component of that compulsion,” Zelensky added.
The Ukrainian General Staff later provided additional details regarding the attack on the Moscow oil refinery. Preliminary reports indicate that the primary processing unit at the refinery was damaged, and a fire was recorded at the site.
“The Moscow refinery supplies fuel to the occupying army. The facility accounts for over 38% of fuel consumption in the capital region, including supplying aviation fuel to Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky airports. The refinery has a processing capacity of over 12 million tons of oil per year,” military officials stated.
On the morning of June 16, Russian Telegram channels reported drone strikes in Moscow and its surrounding areas. Initial reports indicated a fire at the Moscow oil refinery in the Kapotnya district, which plays a significant role in the capital’s fuel market.
The Moscow refinery in Kapotnya is one of the largest oil processing facilities in the Russian capital. It is estimated to provide up to 40% of Moscow’s fuel market and approximately 70% of the city and region’s gasoline needs.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin confirmed that one of the drones had damaged an object within the refinery’s premises.
The Ukrainian military has targeted an oil refinery in the Moscow region, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. President Zelensky described the strike as a necessary response to ongoing Russian aggression, while military officials noted the refinery's critical role in supplying fuel to Russian forces.