A massive fire at one of Russia’s key oil refineries, strikes on vital logistics hubs and fuel depots, and the destruction of command posts—these were the results of the latest nighttime operation by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the actions of the Ukrainian military are a just response to the ongoing terror against Ukraine’s civilian population and the latest attacks on Ukrainian cities.
According to the head of state, Ukrainian long-range weapons once again hit targets in the Moscow region. Particular attention was drawn to the repeated strike on the Moscow Oil Refinery, which has been targeted for the second time in the past week. Facilities in the Rostov region and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine were also successfully attacked.
“This is an absolutely justified response to Russian strikes on our cities and communities,” Zelenskyy emphasized, commenting on the results of the operation.
The president thanked all units that participated in carrying out the combat mission. These include the Security Service of Ukraine, the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Special Operations Forces, the Main Intelligence Directorate, and missile units. It was precisely the coordination between these various agencies that enabled the strikes to achieve high precision and inflict significant damage on infrastructure supporting the Russian army.
According to the SBU, at least four major fires broke out at the Moscow Oil Refinery following the strikes. Thick plumes of black smoke rose above the facility and were visible from various parts of the Russian capital. Preliminary data indicates that the tank farm, primary oil refining units, and diesel fuel purification equipment were damaged.
Experts note that such facilities are critical to the functioning of Russia’s military-industrial complex. Significant volumes of fuel required to support military equipment, aviation, and transportation infrastructure pass through these facilities. Any disruptions in the operation of such facilities place additional strain on the supply system for Russian troops.
An equally important outcome of the operation was the destruction of the “Gukovo” oil depot in the Rostov region. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the facility sustained direct hits and a large-scale fire. The oil depot was used to store and transship fuel and lubricants that support the operation of the aggressor country’s military and transportation infrastructure.
In addition to strikes on fuel infrastructure, the Ukrainian military attacked transportation facilities used to move equipment and personnel. In particular, strikes were carried out on a road bridge across the Kalka River near the village of Granitnoye in the Donetsk region, as well as on a railway bridge across the North Crimean Canal near Razdolnoye in Crimea. These facilities play a crucial role in military logistics and enable the rapid movement of resources between various sectors of the front.
In the Soledar area, Ukrainian forces also struck a Russian command post. Such strikes are particularly significant, as they disrupt the command-and-control system and complicate the coordination of combat operations.
Additionally, there are reports of successful strikes on fuel and lubricant depots in Mariupol and Pyatipole, as well as a logistics depot in the Boykovskoye area of the Donetsk region. The destruction of such facilities directly impacts the troops’ ability to supply themselves with fuel, ammunition, and other essential resources.
The latest strikes are a continuation of Ukraine’s new tactic aimed at weakening the enemy’s logistical infrastructure. Whereas previously the main focus was on the front lines, more and more operations are now being conducted against facilities that support the functioning of the military machine far from the battlefield. This creates additional challenges for supplying the army and raises the cost of continuing the war for the Kremlin.
The events take on special symbolic significance given that the attack on the Moscow oil refinery occurred just a few days after another massive Russian strike on Kyiv. On June 15, during a combined attack, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra complex was damaged. One of the Shahed drones struck the monastery grounds, causing a massive fire on the roof of the Assumption Cathedral. The fire engulfed approximately 800 square meters of the roof of this historic shrine.
After inspecting the aftermath of the attack, President Zelenskyy stated that a response would certainly follow. The events of recent days indicate that these words were not merely a political statement. Ukraine is demonstrating its ability to deliver precision strikes against strategic targets of direct importance to the conduct of the war.
At the same time, Zelenskyy emphasized that international partners highly value the effectiveness of Ukraine’s long-range operations. According to him, the precision and effectiveness of such strikes have already received positive feedback.
The head of state reiterated that the war must end through diplomatic means, but that for this to happen, Russia must take concrete steps toward peace. Until then, Ukrainian forces will continue to strike targets that support the war against Ukraine, demonstrating that no attack goes unanswered.
