Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy escalated his rhetoric on Wednesday, warning that “if Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn” after a series of overnight drone strikes targeted the Russian capital. The attacks hit a key oil refinery on Moscow’s southeastern outskirts for the second time this week, according to reports.
Drone Strikes on Moscow
Scores of drones targeted Moscow overnight, striking the Russian capital’s oil refinery owned by Gazprom Neft. Black smoke was seen rising from the facility, marking the second such attack in recent days. The strikes come amid intensifying Ukrainian operations aimed at disrupting Russian infrastructure.
Zelenskyy’s Warning
In a voice message sent to reporters via a WhatsApp group, Zelenskyy stated: “We don’t want this war, we never did, and everyone knows it, and our partners know it. But if Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn.” He urged Europe and the United States to increase pressure on Russia through expanded sanctions on its defence and energy sectors, as well as its broader economy, to force President Vladimir Putin to end the war.
Zelenskyy’s remarks underscore Ukraine’s determination to retaliate as the conflict continues, with both sides relying on drone warfare to strike strategic targets deep behind enemy lines.
