Ukrainian drones set a Moscow refinery ablaze in a major attack on the Russian capital

Key Points:

• Ukraine conducted a major drone attack on a Moscow oil refinery for the second time in a week, causing large fires, black smoke, and disrupting hundreds of flights at Moscow airports, marking one of its biggest strikes since the 2022 Russian invasion.
• The attack aims to cut Moscow's war revenue and pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasizing retaliation and linking the strikes to broader diplomatic efforts with the US, France, and the G7.
• The refinery fire was largely contained, but the strikes have caused fuel shortages and operational restrictions at gas stations across Russia, while Russian authorities reported damage and injuries from drone debris in Moscow's suburbs.
• Russia claimed to have shot down over 500 Ukrainian drones overnight, including nearly 200 near Moscow, and vowed stronger retaliatory strikes, with some Russian hawks advocating for nuclear responses.
• Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to seek increased military and diplomatic support from NATO and the EU, signing agreements to develop air defense systems and highlighting Russia's ongoing military, economic, and political difficulties.