BRUSSELS — Ukrainian drones struck a major oil refinery in the Moscow region this week as Kyiv intensified long-range attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, while European Union leaders continued discussions on Ukraine’s path toward EU membership amid the ongoing conflict.
Russian authorities said on Tuesday that a Ukrainian drone damaged a facility at the Gazprom Neft-operated Moscow oil refinery in the Kapotnya district southeast of the Russian capital. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defenses intercepted dozens of drones targeting the region and reported no casualties from the refinery strike. Russian officials said emergency services responded to a fire at the site. Reuters reported, citing industry sources, that operations at the refinery were temporarily disrupted following damage to a key processing unit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian forces carried out the attack. In a statement posted on social media, he said: “This time, the Moscow region felt the reach of Ukraine’s long-range capabilities. An oil refinery was hit at a distance of 500 kilometres.”
The refinery is one of the largest fuel suppliers serving the Moscow region, according to industry data and Russian energy officials. Details regarding the full extent of the damage remained unclear, and Russian authorities did not immediately provide an assessment of the refinery’s operational status beyond initial statements.
The strike followed a broader Ukrainian campaign targeting Russian energy facilities. Reuters reported that attacks on refineries and fuel infrastructure have increased since the start of 2026, contributing to fuel supply disruptions in some Russian regions. Russian officials have accused Ukraine of attempting to undermine critical infrastructure, while Ukrainian authorities have described the attacks as part of efforts to reduce resources available for Russia’s military operations.
The incident occurred as EU leaders continued discussions over Ukraine’s accession process. Ukrainian officials have pressed for progress in membership negotiations, arguing that closer integration with the bloc remains a strategic priority despite the conflict. European officials have reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty while emphasizing that accession procedures require continued reforms and agreement among member states.
Russia has repeatedly criticized Western support for Ukraine and opposed Kyiv’s efforts to deepen ties with the European Union and NATO. Moscow maintains that such moves threaten its security interests, a position rejected by Ukraine and its European partners.
As of Wednesday, Russian authorities said recovery and assessment work at the refinery was continuing. Ukrainian officials provided no additional details about the operation, while EU officials remained engaged in discussions on Ukraine’s accession process and broader support measures.
