Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said Ukrainian forces had struck the Moscow oil refinery for the second time in a week, describing the operation as a “fully justified response” to continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy shared footage showing thick plumes of smoke and fires at multiple locations and said Ukrainian forces had also targeted facilities in the Rostov region and territories occupied by Russia. The strikes come amid renewed military and political support for Kyiv from G7 leaders and continuing efforts to push Moscow towards negotiations.

Last night, our long-range sanctions once again reached the Moscow region – for the second time this week, the Moscow oil refinery was hit. Targets were also struck in the Rostov region and in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. This is a fully justified response to… pic.twitter.com/NhFl4FlT9L

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 18, 2026

Zelenskyy Highlights Long-Range Strike Capabilities

Announcing the operation, the Ukrainian President said the attacks were aimed at facilities supporting Russia’s war effort and credited Ukraine’s expanding long-range capabilities.

“Last night, our long-range sanctions once again reached the Moscow region – for the second time this week, the Moscow oil refinery was hit. Targets were also struck in the Rostov region and in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. This is a fully justified response to Russian attacks on our cities and communities, and another important result of our warriors’ work against facilities that sustain Russia’s war machine,” Zelenskyy said.

He thanked Ukraine’s Defence and Security Forces, including the Security Service of Ukraine, the Unmanned Systems Forces, Special Operations Forces, Defence Intelligence and the country’s missile brigade for carrying out what he described as precision strikes.

“In recent days, all of our partners have noted the precision and effectiveness of our mid-range strikes and long-range sanctions. It is time the war ended, and Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy,” he added.

Moscow Refinery Targeted for Second Time

The latest strike follows a similar attack earlier this week, when Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had struck a Russian oil refinery located around 500 kilometres inside Russian territory.

“Russia must be forced to end its war against our people. And Ukraine’s long-range weapons are one of the important components of such pressure. This is a just response to Russian strikes – and to the dragging out of a war that must be ended,” he had said while sharing visuals of flames and smoke rising from the site.

According to Reuters, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said a Ukrainian drone attack had damaged a facility at the Moscow oil refinery owned by Gazpromneft.

Reuters, citing the latest available data, reported that the refinery is the largest in the Moscow region and processed 11.6 million tonnes of oil in 2024, producing 2.9 million tonnes of petrol and 3.2 million tonnes of diesel.

Trump Says Hostility Between Sides Complicates Peace Efforts

Commenting on the conflict on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he had held constructive discussions with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin but acknowledged that deep animosity between the two sides had made negotiations more difficult.

“I had very good talks with President Zelenskyy and with President Putin. And we’d like to see that one end… I thought this would have been one of the easier ones, but they’re not liking each other too much, and that makes it much more difficult,” Trump said.

His remarks came as diplomatic efforts to secure a settlement continue amid intensifying military operations.

G7 Leaders Announce Additional Support for Ukraine

The renewed escalation coincided with fresh commitments by G7 leaders, who reaffirmed their support for Ukraine during the summit and agreed to strengthen Kyiv’s military capabilities.

In a joint declaration, the Heads of State and Government of the G7 expressed “unwavering support” for Ukraine and praised the country and its people for their “resilience and progress” during the prolonged conflict.

The leaders agreed to provide additional air defence systems, interceptors and long-range ammunition, while also granting licences aimed at increasing Ukraine’s domestic military production.

They further pledged support to strengthen Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of the winter season.

Pressure on Russian Energy Sector Set to Increase

As part of efforts to increase pressure on Moscow, G7 leaders also announced plans to tighten sanctions targeting Russia’s oil and gas sectors.

The measures are aimed at limiting Russia’s ability to finance its military operations and reinforcing international support for Ukraine.

The latest developments underline the continuing military and diplomatic contest between Kyiv and Moscow, with both sides seeking to strengthen their positions amid ongoing international efforts to bring the conflict to an end.

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