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Moscow was shrouded in noxious black smoke today after Ukraine’s biggest attack on the Russian capital of the war so far.
Russian air defences appear to have failed to protect the city from swarms of drones today, with locals saying they’ve never seen anything like it.
‘No one has ever bombed Moscow like this before,’ Exilenova+ reported.
The Moscow Oil Refinery at Kapotnya – one of the biggest in Russia and partially damaged in an attack earlier this week – was repeatedly hit with explosions.
‘This is pure hell, I’ve never felt such terror,’ one resident said.
Another added: ‘Why won’t this madman stop his crazy and pointless war and end the death and destruction?’
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A massive security operation was launched around the Kremlin, with Red Square sealed off and machine-gunners on the towers and Lenin’s Mausoleum.
Electronic warfare and air defence missiles shot down multiple incoming drones – redirecting several to hit residential buildings, shattering glass and igniting fires.
Moscow residents were forced to cower in underground car parks amid the onslaught.
One of the city’s largest shopping centres was left burning after a hit, and its main airports suspended all flights while traffic was blocked on the main ring road.
Russian air defences claim to have shot down 555 Ukrainian drones overnight — but enough An-196 Liutyi and FP-1 unmanned planes reached targets to inflict mayhem on the Russian capital.
Moscow’s main oil refinery supplies 40% of Moscow’s gasoline and aviation fuel, and 70% of the surrounding region.
An oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov region was also set ablaze, in a strike that killed one person.
Today’s onslaught is the latest example of how Ukraine has turned the tables in Putin’s war, who is also failing to gain significant traction on the frontline while losing ground in several areas.
Volodymyr Zelensky has said the war could stop if Putin engages in genuine peace talks, but the Russian dictator has repeatedly refused to do so.
In revenge attacks, Russia hit Ukrainian oil facilities in the Poltava region and close to Kyiv.
Russia was spotted moving Tu-95MS strategic bombers across the country, suggesting a major strike on Ukraine is likely in the coming days.
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