Nikita Shenderovsky21:05, 16.06.26

The strike damaged the primary processing unit, which provides 53 percent of the plant’s capacity.

An oil refinery in Moscow has halted operations following strikes by Ukrainian Defense Forces, Reuters reported , citing two sources.

The publication notes that the strike damaged the plant’s primary oil refining unit, which accounts for 53% of the refinery’s capacity. Video confirmed by the agency shows a massive fire and thick black smoke rising from the refinery after the strike. Journalists note that one of the units is expected to resume operations soon.

The publication also notes that Ukraine has doubled the number of attacks on oil refineries since the beginning of 2026. This has already led to a complete or partial shutdown of oil refining and a reduction in the production of gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel. According to journalists’ estimates, this strategy is increasingly putting pressure on Russia’s domestic fuel market.

Attack on Moscow: What is known?

As a reminder, following the strike, Moscow authorities announced that 25 UAVs had been shot down by the Defense Ministry’s air defense system. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin also effectively acknowledged the oil refinery’s failure , adding that emergency services were working at the scene.

Later, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed the strike on the Moscow oil refinery, noting that it was a “fair response to Russian strikes.” He also reiterated the need to force Russia to end its war against Ukraine.

(c)UNIAN 2026