'Pure hell' in Moscow as Ukrainian drones strike major refinery supplying capital's fuel market

Machine-gunners were deployed around Red Square and flights suspended as 16 people were reported injured across the region. Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, striking a major oil refinery in the Russian capital and sending thick black smoke over parts of the city, according to Russian officials and multiple reports. The Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya - one of the capital region's key fuel facilities - was hit overnight Thursday, marking the second reported strike on the site in three days. Videos circulating online showed large flames and black smoke rising from the facility, while Russian officials said air defenses intercepted waves of incoming drones. "This is pure hell, I've never felt such terror," one Moscow resident said after the attack, according to East2West News. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said air defenses shot down more than 130 drones approaching the city. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed more than 550 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight across several regions, though battlefield claims from either side could not be independently verified. The attack disrupted daily life across Moscow, forcing temporary flight suspensions at major airports and traffic restrictions near the refinery. Russian officials said debris also fell near the Sadovod shopping center, damaging a building. The Moscow region governor said 16 people were injured in the broader attack. East2West reported that the refinery supplies 40% of Moscow's fuel market and 70% of the surrounding region's gasoline and aviation fuel needs.