Independent reporting from NATO’s eastern frontierUkraine · Russia · Baltic security
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Ukraine Hammers Moscow and Other Refinery Complexes On June 18th.

So-called “Best Air Defense Systems” Fail To Secure Moscow. The military operations by Ukraine have been ongoing against Russia’s fuel supply chain. There is still significant reporting coming from Ukraine regarding recent attacks taking place in Russia. Ukraine reports that there was an attack on the oil storage area in Gukova in the Rostov region.…

So-called “Best Air Defense Systems” Fail To Secure Moscow.

The military operations by Ukraine have been ongoing against Russia’s fuel supply chain. There is still significant reporting coming from Ukraine regarding recent attacks taking place in Russia.

Ukraine reports that there was an attack on the oil storage area in Gukova in the Rostov region. This caused fires at the location. The fuel and lubricant materials stored at this location can be used by Russia to carry out military missions. Additionally, the fuel and lubricant can be transported through Russia’s transportation networks.

On the same day, there have also been reports of further strikes against the Moscow Oil Refinery. Fires were visible throughout the refinery, which included processing areas and storage locations. The refinery processes approximately 12 million metric tons of crude annually. The products produced by the refinery are delivered directly into both civilian and military distribution channels within Russia.

Already, there are reports of fuel shortages occurring in both Moscow and St. Petersburg.

As previously mentioned, all prior strikes have become part of the larger operational situation. A strike occurred on June 14. It destroyed seven tanks located at the Palkino oil pumping station. A strike occurred on June 13. Damage was done to various fuel tanks and portions of pipeline located in the Volgograd region. Strikes also occurred in the Krasnodar region. Damage was done to multiple large storage tanks at the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal.

While these can be repaired, collectively, they contribute to a degradation of Russia’s ability to logistically move fuels. Again, Ukraine continues to successfully target those refineries using drones. All previous attempts to repair damage resulting from these strikes appear to be rendered ineffective.

Additionally, Ukraine President Zelensky has publicly praised his nation’s military efforts against the Russian regime, specifically thanking Ukrainian forces for their successful mission in attacking fuel related targets in the Moscow region. As a side note, Moscow contains the most robust air defense system within the entire country.

In conclusion, the Russian regime does not currently possess solutions to address these challenges. Conventional Air Defense Systems utilized by the Russians are becoming increasingly less effective.

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About the author

Nojus T

Founder and editor of VanguardEast

I’m Nojus, a Lithuania-based writer and the founder of VanguardEast. I cover Russia’s war against Ukraine, Baltic security, NATO, the military, political, and cultural developments shaping the world. I have been documenting the war in Ukraine for more than four years, focusing on providing as much value with my reports as possible.

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