In the early hours of June 18, Ukrainian defense units launched renewed attacks on the Moscow Oil Refinery located in the Moscow region of Russia, as well as on the Gukovo oil depot in Rostov. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported significant damage from these strikes.
The Moscow refinery experienced direct hits, resulting in a large fire on-site. Initial assessments indicate at least five active fire zones, affecting the combined oil processing unit, secondary processing installations, and the storage tank area.
This facility has a processing capacity exceeding 12 million tons of oil annually and plays a crucial role in supplying the Russian military.
In addition to the Moscow refinery, the Gukovo oil depot was also struck, leading to confirmed impacts and a fire at the location. This depot is vital for the storage and transfer of fuel and lubricants that support Russian military and transportation operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the strikes as a justified response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities. He expressed gratitude to Ukrainian defense forces for their coordinated efforts, highlighting the precision of their strikes and the effectiveness of long-range sanctions. Zelensky emphasized the need for Russia to engage in diplomatic measures to bring an end to the conflict.
Previously, Russian authorities acknowledged drone attacks in the Moscow and Rostov regions. On June 16, Ukrainian forces had also targeted the Moscow refinery, damaging the primary oil processing unit ELOU AVT-6.
Ukrainian forces have intensified their attacks on key oil infrastructure in Russia, targeting the Moscow Oil Refinery and Gukovo oil depot. President Zelensky has framed these operations as necessary responses to ongoing Russian aggression, underscoring their strategic significance in the conflict.