Black rain, smoke over Moscow: Russia-Ukraine trade bombs, drones and missiles as war intensifies
Moscow refinery hit again as Ukraine expands drone war Black rain falls on Moscow: Oil-covered droplets reported as smoke blankets Russian capital Ukrainian officials say
Moscow refinery hit again as Ukraine expands drone war Black rain falls on Moscow: Oil-covered droplets reported as smoke blankets Russian capital Ukrainian officials say Moscow is experiencing consequences of war Russia claims hundreds of drones intercepted Russia retaliates with strikes across Ukraine Drone attack reported at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant G7 support boosts Kyiv's confidence NEW DELHI: Thick black smoke blanketed Moscow's skyline, reports of black rain surfaced across parts of the Russian capital and flights were temporarily grounded after Ukraine struck a key oil refinery during its largest drone offensive against Moscow in months.The attack, part of Kyiv's campaign targeting Russia's capital and energy infrastructure, prompted fresh Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities including Sumy and Kharkiv, killing two people and injuring several others.The Ukrainian strikes, which targeted Moscow and a key oil refinery supplying fuel to the Russian capital, came as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Europe meeting G7 leaders and seeking additional military and diplomatic support. The attacks also unfolded in the backdrop of the recently concluded US-Iran peace agreement, which was digitally signed while US President Donald Trump and other world leaders were in France.As Ukraine expanded its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and the capital region, Russia responded with fresh strikes across Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials, two people were killed and two others wounded in attacks on the northeastern Sumy region, while five more people, including three children, required medical assistance after Russian strikes on Kharkiv.The latest exchange of attacks highlights the intensifying tit-for-tat nature of the conflict, even as diplomatic efforts continue on the sidelines of major international gatherings.Ukraine struck the Moscow Oil Refinery for the second time in a week on June 19, according to Russian officials, in what was one of Kyiv's largest drone attacks since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than four years ago.The refinery, located around 15 kilometres from the Kremlin, is one of Russia's largest fuel-processing facilities and produces more than a third of the Moscow region's fuel supply.The attack disrupted operations at four Moscow airports and forced authorities to temporarily halt flights.
Russian officials said air defences intercepted hundreds of incoming drones, but several targets were still hit.Ukraine has increasingly focused on Russian oil facilities in an effort to reduce Moscow's war revenues and demonstrate that the consequences of the conflict can also be felt inside Russia.The strike came shortly after Zelenskyy announced he had held "an important coordination call" with the presidents of the United States and France and secured additional support from allies during the G7 summit."If Ukraine is going to burn, your Moscow will burn too," Zelenskyy said."It is time to end the aggression, time to end this war."Among the most striking images emerging from Moscow were reports of so-called "black rain" falling over parts of the city following the refinery fire.According to a BBC report, residents in southeastern districts of Moscow complained that fine droplets carrying black oily particles had fallen on vehicles and clothing after the attack.Columns of thick smoke rose high above the Russian capital while emergency services struggled to contain the blaze.Residents told the BBC that the drizzle left "unpleasant black spots" on clothes and vehicles.Although Moscow authorities denied reports that oil rain had fallen, the city's official Telegram channel urged residents in affected districts to keep their windows closed. Authorities also advised families with children, elderly residents and people suffering from respiratory illnesses to leave the area temporarily.Videos circulating on social media showed massive flames rising from refinery structures, while one clip appeared to show the lid of a large oil storage tank being blown into the air following an explosion.The scenes represented one of the most visible examples of the war reaching Russia's capital since the invasion began.Ukrainian officials openly linked the attacks to Russia's continued military campaign."One of the most popular questions asked by Muscovites this morning is What is going on?" Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X."I can answer. Your country started a war of aggression against ours.
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