NEW DELHI: Thick black smoke blanketed Moscow's skyline, reports of black rain surfaced across parts of the Russian capital and flights were temporarily grounded after Ukraine struck a key oil refinery during its largest drone offensive against Moscow in months. The attack, part of Kyiv's campaign targeting Russia's capital and energy infrastructure, prompted fresh Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities including Sumy and Kharkiv, killing two people and injuring several others.
The Ukrainian strikes, which targeted Moscow and a key oil refinery supplying fuel to the Russian capital, came as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Europe meeting G7 leaders and seeking additional military and diplomatic support.
The attacks also unfolded in the backdrop of the recently concluded US-Iran peace agreement, which was digitally signed while US President Donald Trump and other world leaders were in France.
As Ukraine expanded its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and the capital region, Russia responded with fresh strikes across Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials, two people were killed and two others wounded in attacks on the northeastern Sumy region, while five more people, including three children, required medical assistance after Russian strikes on Kharkiv.
The latest exchange of attacks highlights the intensifying tit-for-tat nature of the conflict, even as diplomatic efforts continue on the sidelines of major international gatherings.
Moscow refinery hit again as Ukraine expands drone war
Ukraine struck the Moscow Oil Refinery for the second time in a week on June 19, according to Russian officials, in what was one of Kyiv's largest drone attacks since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than four years ago. The refinery, located around 15 kilometres from the Kremlin, is one of Russia's largest fuel-processing facilities and produces more than a third of the Moscow region's fuel supply. The attack disrupted operations at four Moscow airports and forced authorities to temporarily halt flights. Russian officials said air defences intercepted hundreds of incoming drones, but several targets were still hit. Ukraine has increasingly focused on Russian oil facilities in an effort to reduce Moscow's war revenues and demonstrate that the consequences of the conflict can also be felt inside Russia. The strike came shortly after Zelenskyy announced he had held "an important coordination call" with the presidents of the United States and France and secured additional support from allies during the G7 summit. "If Ukraine is going to burn, your Moscow will burn too," Zelenskyy said. "It is time to end the aggression, time to end this war."
Black rain falls on Moscow: Oil-covered droplets reported as smoke blankets Russian capital
Among the most striking images emerging from Moscow were reports of so-called "black rain" falling over parts of the city following the refinery fire. According to a BBC report, residents in southeastern districts of Moscow complained that fine droplets carrying black oily particles had fallen on vehicles and clothing after the attack. Columns of thick smoke rose high above the Russian capital while emergency services struggled to contain the blaze. Residents told the BBC that the drizzle left "unpleasant black spots" on clothes and vehicles. Although Moscow authorities denied reports that oil rain had fallen, the city's official Telegram channel urged residents in affected districts to keep their windows closed.
Authorities also advised families with children, elderly residents and people suffering from respiratory illnesses to leave the area temporarily. Videos circulating on social media showed massive flames rising from refinery structures, while one clip appeared to show the lid of a large oil storage tank being blown into the air following an explosion. The scenes represented one of the most visible examples of the war reaching Russia's capital since the invasion began.
Ukrainian officials say Moscow is experiencing consequences of war
Ukrainian officials openly linked the attacks to Russia's continued military campaign. "One of the most popular questions asked by Muscovites this morning is What is going on?" Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. "I can answer. Your country started a war of aggression against ours. For years, it has been killing our people. Now that you know what's going on, ask Putin when he is planning to end it." Ukraine has repeatedly argued that targeting Russian military, logistics and energy infrastructure is necessary to weaken Moscow's war machine and force the Kremlin towards negotiations. Zelenskyy said the latest drone offensive was partly intended to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to return to meaningful peace talks. "If Putin does not want to end this war and wants to continue it, we will not sit quietly — we will respond," Zelenskyy said. The Ukrainian leader has backed an unconditional ce…
Read the full article at Times of India →📄Source document: Ukrainian media
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Times of IndiaIndependentCenter2 days agoUkraine conducted a significant drone attack on Moscow, targeting the Kapotnya oil refinery and causing widespread disruption with thick smoke and 'black rain.' The attack was described as retaliation against Russian strikes on Ukraine. The incident highlighted the increasing effectiveness of Ukraine's long-range drones in penetrating Russian air defenses.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual details of the drone attack without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It describes events objectively, citing Ukrainian media and military analysts while noting the impact on Moscow and the strategic implications for Ukraine's military capabilities. There is
Official sources cited
- organisation Ukrainian media
- organisation Military analysts
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter2 days ago Black rain, smoke over Moscow: Russia-Ukraine trade bombs, drones and missiles as war intensifiesThick black smoke covered Moscow's skyline following an attack by Ukraine on a key oil refinery, part of Kyiv's campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure and the capital. The strike led to temporary flight cancellations and reports of 'black rain' in parts of Moscow. In response, Russia launched strikes on Ukrainian cities like Sumy and Kharkiv, resulting in casualties and injuries. These developments occurred amid President Zelenskyy's meetings with G7 leaders and the recent US-Iran peace agreement.
Bias read (Center): The article presents events factually without overtly favoring either side. It describes actions taken by both Ukraine and Russia without evaluative language or emphasis on one perspective over the other. The framing remains neutral, focusing on reported incidents and their consequences.
Official sources cited
- government Ukrainian officials
FirstpostParty-alignedCenter3 days agoThe article reports on an attack by Ukrainian forces on a Russian oil refinery located in Moscow, describing it as the largest such attack.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report without overtly biased language or framing. It states the event as reported without taking a stance or emphasizing particular perspectives.
India TodayIndependentCenter3 days agoUkrainian drones attacked a major oil refinery in Moscow, causing significant damage and fires. The attack, involving nearly 200 drones, was described as the largest on Moscow in two years. The refinery, located 15 km from the Kremlin, is a critical supplier of fuel to the region. This marks the second such attack on the facility in recent days.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual details about the drone attacks without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It includes information from multiple sources, including Russian state media (TASS), a Ukrainian news outlet (Kyiv Post), and Moscow's mayor. There is no clear ideological framing or o
FirstpostParty-alignedCenter5 days ago Ukraine hits major Moscow oil refinery, Zelenskyy hails long-range strikeUkraine has struck a major oil refinery in Moscow, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praising the long-range nature of the attack.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an event without explicit ideological framing, presenting facts about the attack and Zelenskyy's response without apparent bias.
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