The Moscow Oil Refinery burns after Ukraine’s drone strikes, June 18, 2026
EA-Times Radio VideoCast: Russia’s “Hybrid War” Beyond Ukraine
Wednesday’s Coverage: Zelensky Meets Trump at G7 Summit
UPDATE 0709 GMT:
Ukraine air defenses downed 212 of 239 drones and 4 of 7 missiles launched by Russia overnight.
Two missiles and 26 drones hit nine locations.
Two waves of drones and missiles targeted Kyiv from 1:30 a.m.
UPDATE 0643 GMT:
Leaders of the G7 nations have pledged to “increase the delivery of air defense capacities, additional systems and interceptors, and long-range capabilities” to Ukraine.
At their summit in France, the leaders also said they are prepared to license Ukraine-based companies to build long-range missiles and air defense systems. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said: “We are all currently producing too little, and this can be offset by granting licenses to companies that have these production capabilities, including European and Ukrainian firms.”
In their meeting on Tuesday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed to Donald Trump that the US provide licenses. He said Trump gave a “positive” response. Merz added that he was “grateful” to Donald Trump “for this great willingness to cooperate”.
ORIGINAL ENTRY: Ukraine’s drones have set afire Moscow’s oil refinery for the second time this week.
The strikes set off flames and plumes of smoke over the district of Kapotnya, in the southeast of Russia’s capital, on Thursday morning.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin acknowledged, “Air defense forces are continuing to repel a large-scale attack. Several drones managed to reach the [refinery].” Traffic has been halted on the ring road near the complex.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky commented:
In recent days, all of our partners have noted the precision and effectiveness of our mid-range strikes and long-range sanctions. It is time the war ended, and Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy.
Moscow by night, or is it by day light…
Sanctions on oil refineries are working
— Rocket Fella (@kooiker.bsky.social) June 18, 2026 at 6:02 AM
Ukraine’s strikes on Tuesday halted operations at the refinery, which provides around 40% of Moscow’s gasoline and 50% of diesel fuel. The plant is also a vital logistics hub for aviation fuel for Moscow’s airports.
Rationing of gasoline has been instituted in parts of the Moscow region, as well as in many other areas of Russia and Russian-occupied Crimea. Russia, the world’s third-biggest oil producer, will import fuel by sea this month.
