Ukraine launches biggest drone attack on Russia:Over 1,000 drones and cruise missiles fired; oil depot blast kills one

Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Russia since the war began on Thursday. According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, around 1,000 drones and four cruise missiles were intercepted overnight. Nearly 200 of the drones were reportedly heading towards the capital, Moscow. The attack sparked a fire at an oil depot in the southern Rostov region, killing one person. Moscow’s Kapotnya oil refinery was also targeted. Following an explosion, the lid of an oil storage tank was thrown several metres into the air, while thick black smoke rose over the area. Reports said a nearby shopping centre also caught fire. Falling drone debris damaged several residential and commercial buildings, and a number of high-rise buildings were evacuated. Flights at Moscow’s airports were temporarily suspended after the attack. Zelensky says, if Ukraine burns, Moscow will also burn Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack on Moscow as a response to Russia’s actions in Kyiv last week. He said the Ukrainian military targeted bases that were supporting Russia’s war effort. Zelensky said it was time for Russia to choose a diplomatic path to end the war. He also praised the work of Ukraine’s military and intelligence agencies. He said, “We did not want this war, but if Ukraine burns, Moscow will burn too.” At the time of the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin was attending a summit with leaders from Southeast Asian countries in Kazan. He has not yet made any public statement on the major attack on Moscow. Drone attacks on the Russian capital increased since 2023 After the war began in 2022, Ukraine’s drone attacks were relatively limited. In 2023, Ukrainian drones reached Moscow for the first time, although only a small number were used in those attacks. Ukraine has now developed the capability to strike targets over long distances, while Russia has strengthened air defence systems around its capital. As a result, the conflict is no longer limited to the frontline. Both countries are increasingly targeting oil depots, refineries and other strategic sites. G7 countries announce more support for Ukraine Amid the large-scale attack on Moscow, G7 countries have announced increased military assistance for Ukraine. The group said Ukraine would receive additional air defence systems, interceptors and long-range weapons. The G7 also said sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas sector would be tightened further. Member countries pledged extra support to help meet Ukraine’s electricity and energy needs ahead of winter. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he had initially believed it would be easier to help end the Russia-Ukraine war, but deep hostility between the two sides had made negotiations more difficult. Trump added that he had held positive discussions with both Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin and said he hoped to see the conflict come to an end.