BRAZIL PERSPECTIVE

Rio de Janeiro, June 18, 2026. This marks the largest aerial assault on Moscow in two years, and Brazilian media covered it with notable factual precision. Ukrainian drones struck the Russian capital on Thursday, targeting the MNPZ refinery in Kapotnya district, whose fire propelled the roof "into the air," according to imagery verified by Reuters and reported by G1 Globo. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed the attack and indicated that 180 drones were shot down in the capital region alone—out of 555 intercepted across the country according to Moscow's count.

The scale of damage extended beyond petroleum infrastructure. A residential building, an industrial facility, and homes were hit, G1 reports. Operations at Moscow's primary airport were temporarily suspended. Residents reported a "black oil rain" falling from the sky, droplets that allegedly stained clothing, according to the BBC as relayed by G1. City authorities denied the phenomenon while ordering vulnerable populations—children, elderly residents, asthmatics—to evacuate affected zones.

This was the second raid against the same MNPZ refinery in a week, following a strike on Tuesday, June 16. Folha de S.Paulo notes that this facility supplies over one-third of Moscow's fuel requirements, and Russia—the world's third-largest oil producer—was already forced to import fuel this month to address growing shortages.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the offensive as a "fully justified response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities" and added: "We do not want this war. But if Ukraine burns, Moscow will burn too." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov countered by announcing "coordinated, large-scale, and regular strikes" against Ukraine.

Estadão, which consulted regional experts, underscores a fundamental shift: after four years of war, Ukraine is "no longer a passive victim" and has recovered more territory since 2023, though reconquering the Donbas remains out of reach short-term. Russia, facing recruitment difficulties and isolated troops—cut off from internet on the front lines—now advances slowly.

On Sunday preceding these strikes, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 in Evian. According to Agência Brasil, the two leaders discussed possibilities for a ceasefire and a "diplomatic solution" over forty minutes. Lula advocated for a more active role by the UN Security Council. Zelensky called the exchange "positive" and both presidents agreed to maintain contact in the coming weeks.