A huge explosion was reportedly seen in Russia on Thursday after a Ukrainian drone struck one of Moscow's oil refineries, sending a fuel tank into the air.

01:46, Fri, Jun 19, 2026 Updated: 01:52, Fri, Jun 19, 2026

TOPSHOT-BOSNIA-RUSSIA-EXPLOSION-OIL

The explosion was the result of a Ukrainian drone strike (Image: Getty)

A Russian fuel tank was filmed launching into the air on Thursday after a Ukrainian drone struck yet another of Moscow's oil refineries, triggering a massive explosion.

The footage captures the hatch of a fuel storage tank being blasted skyward by the force of the blast. Serhii Sternenko, an aide to Ukraine's defence minister, also shared an image of the strike on Telegram.

Get exclusive defence news and analysis from our experts and more Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

"Stress relief for Ukrainians," he captioned the image.

It represented the largest drone assault Moscow had faced since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, more than 180 drones have reportedly been directed towards the Russian capital.

More than 30 drones were intercepted by Russian air defences as they approached the city, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.

Within just two days, the Moscow Oil Refinery has been targeted twice.

Ukrainian drones first struck the facility on June 16, destroying the refinery's "heart" - a vital primary oil-processing unit, according to Ukraine's Security Service (SBU).

The refinery is protected by dozens, if not hundreds, of air defence systems, according to the Telegram channel Exilenova+.

New footage confirms that an errant Russian surface to air missile was responsible for the tank roof toss at the Moscow Oil Refinery this morning. pic.twitter.com/H5kdsuO2pY

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) June 18, 2026

The drones managed to evade at least five Pantsir air defence systems that had been stationed on towers and other elevated positions, according to Defence Express.

Approximately half of Moscow's diesel fuel requirements are met by the Moscow Oil Refinery, which processes 11 million metric tons of crude oil each year.

The refinery was forced to suspend operations following the drone strike, according to Reuters, which cited sources familiar with the matter.