Zelensky says Moscow refinery strike was a “justified response” to Russian attacks

Thursday 18 June 2026 - 10:15

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described a recent Ukrainian strike on an oil refinery in Moscow as a justified response to ongoing Russian attacks, highlighting the intensifying cycle of military action between the two countries.

The remarks were made following reports of a nighttime drone strike targeting energy infrastructure in the Russian capital region. Ukrainian officials have framed such operations as part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening facilities that support Russia’s military capabilities.

According to Zelensky, the operation should be seen as a direct reaction to continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and civilian areas. He emphasized that actions taken by Ukrainian forces are intended to target infrastructure linked to the broader war effort, rather than civilian populations.

Energy facilities, including refineries and fuel storage sites, have increasingly become focal points in the conflict, as both sides seek to disrupt supply chains that are essential for military logistics. Such strikes are often described by analysts as part of an evolving phase of the war, in which long-range capabilities and unmanned systems play a growing role.

The Ukrainian government has repeatedly argued that its operations are defensive in nature, aimed at reducing Russia’s ability to sustain its military campaign. Moscow, in turn, has frequently condemned such attacks, describing them as escalatory and threatening to critical infrastructure.

The ongoing exchanges underscore the continued intensity of the conflict, which has expanded beyond front-line battles to include strikes on strategic industrial and energy assets. This development reflects the increasing importance of economic and logistical targets in modern warfare.

As the war continues, international observers remain focused on the potential for escalation, as well as the humanitarian and economic consequences of sustained attacks on infrastructure in both countries.