Ukraine launched a strike on an oil refinery near Moscow and other targets in Russia overnight, causing disruptions to commercial flights and a temporary halt on Moscow's ring road. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as a fully justified response to recent Russian strikes on Ukraine.
Details of the Attack
Russian officials reported that approximately 180 drones were shot down over the Russian capital, forcing the suspension of commercial flights and airports for safety reasons. The attack on the Gazprom Neft Moscow oil refinery, located on the south-eastern outskirts of Moscow, resulted in black smoke rising from the facility.
Zelenskyy stated, "This is a fully justified response to Russian attacks on our cities and communities, and another important result of our warriors' work against facilities that sustain Russia's war machine."
NATO and EU Meetings
The strikes coincide with a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels, the last before next month's summit in Ankara. NATO allies are expected to discuss defence spending plans, with the United States urging Europe to take greater responsibility for continental defence.
Later, the ministers will participate in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, a key forum for coordinating support for Ukraine, which is expected to be attended by President Zelenskyy.
The main event of the day is the European Council meeting on Ukraine and the Middle East, a two-day summit involving EU leaders that is likely to continue late into the night.
This is Jakub Krupa, reporting for Europe Live on Thursday, 18 June 2026.
