Columns of thick smoke rose high as 17 people were wounded in the Moscow region, according to Governor Andrei Vorobyov. Residents in southeast Moscow reported “unpleasant black spots” on clothes after a drizzle, though authorities denied any “oil rain.” The city’s Telegram channel urged families with children, elderly, and asthmatics to leave the area.

Russia’s defense ministry claimed almost 1,000 drones and four cruise missiles were intercepted in 24 hours, though an oil depot in Rostov was hit, killing one. President Zelensky said the strike was retaliation for Russia’s attack on Kyiv’s Pechersk Lavra monastery: “If Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn too.” Foreign Minister Lavrov vowed mass-scale strikes on Ukraine.

The Kapotnya refinery was hit for the third time in a month, sending smoke and debris skyward. A shopping center caught fire from drone wreckage, and verified videos showed drones hitting high-rise buildings and oily residue coating car parks. Airports shut temporarily, with 500 flights cancelled or delayed. Despite bans on publishing images, social media showed drones and explosions across Moscow.
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Ukraine’s tactic of using reconnaissance drones before main strikes highlights its growing long-range capability. Moscow, 500km from the border, has faced increasingly frequent attacks since 2023. Air defenses cannot fully stop mass drone barrages, raising questions about their effectiveness. Russia meanwhile launched over 200 drones and ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight. Putin, hosting a summit in Kazan, remained silent. Ukrainian FM Andriy Sybiha wrote: “Your country started a war of aggression. Now ask Putin when he plans to end it.”