Ukrainian Drones Hit Refinery and Power Plants Near Moscow: A New Phase in the Conflict
In the early hours of Sunday, Ukraine launched a significant wave of drone attacks targeting vital infrastructure near Moscow. The strikes, which ignited fires at both a refinery and power plants, marked a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The Drone Offensive
According to Russian officials, more than 150 drones were launched by Ukraine, with debris causing fires at the Moscow Oil Refinery and the Konakovo Power Station in the Tver region, one of central Russia’s largest energy producers. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Telegram that air defense units managed to destroy 158 drones overnight, nine of which were aimed directly at Moscow and its surrounding areas.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that the refinery attack caused a fire in a “separate technical room” at the plant. Thankfully, the blaze was quickly contained, and no major damage was reported. The incident did, however, temporarily disrupt operations at several major airports in Moscow, though flight restrictions were lifted by Sunday morning.
The Bigger Picture
This wave of drone attacks is part of a broader escalation in the conflict, which has been raging for over two and a half years. Russia has intensified its offensive in eastern Ukraine while also grappling with surprise incursions by Ukrainian forces along its western border. Last week, Russia launched its heaviest air strikes of the war, targeting energy facilities across Ukraine.
Ukraine, for its part, is stepping up its own attacks on Russian energy, military, and transport infrastructure. The country’s rapidly growing domestic drone industry is playing a key role in these efforts. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s government is lobbying the United States for permission to use more powerful Western-supplied weapons, with the goal of inflicting greater damage inside Russia and hampering Moscow’s ability to continue its war efforts.
On the Ground in Russia
The refinery targeted in the attack, located southeast of Moscow, is owned by Gazprom Neft, the oil subsidiary of Russian gas giant Gazprom. The Baza Telegram news channel, which is closely linked to Russia’s security services, reported that loud explosions were heard near the Konakovo power plant in the Tver region. While a fire was confirmed in the town of Konakovo, authorities assured that electricity and gas supplies remained uninterrupted.
Ukraine also attempted to strike the Kashira Power Plant in the Moscow region with three drones. Fortunately, no significant damage or casualties were reported, and power supply continued without any issues.
In total, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that drones were intercepted over multiple regions, including Kursk, Bryansk, Voronezh, and Belgorod. While preliminary information suggests there were no injuries, Russia has been known to withhold the full extent of damage from Ukrainian attacks.
What’s Next?
As the conflict continues, both sides are ramping up their efforts to gain the upper hand. Ukraine’s increasing use of drone technology and its appeals for more advanced weaponry signal that the war is entering a new, more dangerous phase. With no end in sight, the world watches anxiously as the situation continues to evolve.