Massive Drone Strike on Moscow Fuels Public Discontent with Putin (Video)

Moscow experienced the largest drone attack in its history, striking key infrastructure and triggering widespread shock among residents. The attack, carried out by Ukraine’s Defence Forces on the night of March 11, targeted multiple strategic facilities supporting Russia’s war effort. Among the key targets was the Moscow Oil Refinery, which supplies between 40 and 50 percent of the city’s diesel and petrol. The refinery has the capacity to process 11 million tonnes of oil annually and plays a crucial role in Russia’s energy sector.

The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the strikes on social media, stating that the operation was conducted by the Unmanned Systems Forces, Special Operations Forces, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. Their coordinated efforts resulted in direct hits on critical infrastructure. Explosions were also reported in Oryol, at the “Stalnoy Kon” production control station, which regulates the Druzhba oil pipeline. This pipeline is vital for transporting oil to the Ust Luga terminal in the Leningrad region, a key hub for Russian exports.

Despite attempts by Russian air defences to repel the attack, reports from open sources indicate that several civilian infrastructure facilities were damaged. Moscow residents were taken aback by the scale of the assault, with many expressing disbelief that so many Ukrainian drones had penetrated the city’s defences. According to Sky News correspondent Ivor Bennett, Muscovites described the attack with a mixture of shock and concern.

“This was the biggest Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian capital since the war began,” Bennett reported. “One person said they could not believe so many drones were launched and had travelled so far. Another resident stated they were praying for the conflict to end.”

The attack has intensified public frustration with the Russian military leadership and President Vladimir Putin. While the Kremlin has downplayed the incident, local discontent is growing as Moscow residents question how Ukraine was able to launch such a significant strike deep inside Russian territory.