Catégorie oBox : BuzzNews

Ukraine carried out its largest drone attack on Moscow since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, launching nearly 200 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles against targets in and around the Russian capital during the night of June 18. The centerpiece of the operation was the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district, one of the most strategically important energy facilities serving the city. Videos circulating on social media showed enormous columns of black smoke rising above southeastern Moscow after multiple explosions rocked the refinery complex. Russian authorities acknowledged that several drones penetrated air defenses and struck their targets despite an extensive interception effort. The attack immediately disrupted transportation, energy infrastructure and daily life in a city that has largely been shielded from the realities of the war compared with regions closer to the front line.

President Volodymyr Zelensky framed the operation as a direct response to Russia’s recent bombardment of Ukraine and as part of a broader strategy aimed at forcing the Kremlin to confront the consequences of the conflict on its own territory. Addressing journalists after the attack, Zelensky declared: «We do not want this war and never did. But if Ukraine is going to burn, your Moscow will burn too … It is time to end the aggression, time to end this war.» He later described the strikes as Ukraine’s latest «long-range sanctions» against facilities supporting Russia’s military machine. Zelensky also stated: «This is a fully justified response to Russian attacks on our cities and communities, and another important result of our warriors’ work against facilities that sustain Russia’s war machine.» The Ukrainian leader argued that sustained pressure on strategic Russian infrastructure could increase incentives for Moscow to return to meaningful negotiations.

The Moscow Oil Refinery emerged as the most significant target of the operation. Located roughly 15 kilometers southeast of the city center and operated by Gazprom Neft, the facility reportedly supplies around 40 percent of Moscow’s gasoline and approximately half of its diesel fuel. The refinery had already been targeted earlier in the week, making the June 18 strike the second successful attack against the site in just a few days. According to reports from the scene, one explosion was powerful enough to send the metal roof of a fuel storage structure soaring into the air before flames engulfed the installation. Ukrainian officials claimed their drones penetrated multiple layers of Moscow’s air defense network to reach the facility. The renewed damage intensified concerns about fuel shortages and supply disruptions that have already affected parts of Russia following months of Ukrainian strikes against energy infrastructure.

The consequences extended far beyond the refinery itself. Authorities temporarily halted operations at all four major Moscow airports as air defense systems attempted to repel incoming drones. Sheremetyevo Airport, the country’s busiest aviation hub, was evacuated, while hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled. Russian officials reported at least 17 injuries in the greater Moscow region, including two children, though no fatalities were immediately confirmed in the capital. Residential areas were also affected. Damage was reported at a high-rise apartment building in Zhukovsky, several private homes, a shopping center and industrial facilities. In southeastern suburbs, residents described seeing thick smoke blanket the skyline for hours after sunrise. Images shared online showed streets, vehicles and buildings covered in dark soot from the refinery fires, underscoring the unprecedented scale of the attack on the Russian capital.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The strike came only days after one of Russia’s most destructive aerial assaults against Ukraine in recent months. On June 15, Russian missiles and drones heavily damaged the historic Dormition Cathedral at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ukraine’s most important religious landmarks. The broader overnight bombardment involved dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones launched across the country, leaving multiple civilians dead and damaging infrastructure in several regions. Ukrainian officials cited the attack on the monastery complex as one of the key motivations behind the retaliation against Moscow. By targeting a symbolic and economically significant facility deep inside Russia, Kyiv sought to demonstrate that Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities and cultural sites would no longer go unanswered. The operation also highlighted Ukraine’s rapidly expanding long-range strike capabilities after more than four years of war.

Reaction inside Russia was swift and, in some quarters, unusually critical. Pro-war commentators and nationalist figures questioned how nearly 200 drones were able to approach Moscow despite years of official assurances that the capital remained heavily protected. Businessman Konstantin Malofeev, a prominent nationalist voice, publicly demanded that Russia «start fighting for real» following the attack. Social media channels were flooded with posts from residents expressing alarm over the lack of warning systems and the sight of smoke rising above the city. Within hours of the refinery strike, Russia responded by launching another large wave of missiles and drones against Ukrainian territory, signaling that the escalation cycle between the two countries shows no sign of slowing as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

Barack Obama has once again emerged as the most popular living U.S. president, according to a new CNN poll released as the former president prepares to celebrate another milestone in his post-White House legacy. The survey found that Obama enjoys a 57% favorability rating among Americans, comfortably ahead of every other living president. The poll also showed that 30% of Americans identify Obama as the president they admire most, placing him well ahead of Donald Trump and the rest of the field. The results arrive as the Obama Presidential Center officially opens to the public on Juneteenth in Chicago, providing a fresh reminder of the enduring political and cultural influence Obama continues to wield nearly a decade after leaving office.

Obama’s standing in the survey reflects unusually broad appeal across multiple voting blocs. Among Democrats, he receives a remarkable 96% favorability rating, making him by far the most popular figure within the party. His support also extends well beyond traditional Democratic voters. The poll found that 56% of independents hold a favorable view of Obama, while 19% of Republicans also view him positively. Those numbers helped propel Obama to the top spot in the survey’s open-ended question asking respondents which president in American history they admire most. His 30% score placed him comfortably ahead of every other president, living or deceased, included in the poll.

Donald Trump finished second in the admiration ranking, with 19% of respondents naming him as the president they admire most. While Trump’s overall favorability rating stands at 34%, the poll illustrates the depth of support he continues to command among Republican voters. Some 79% of Republicans view Trump favorably, making him one of the most dominant figures within his own party. However, his appeal remains sharply limited outside that base. Only 25% of independents expressed a favorable opinion of Trump, while just 5% of Democrats viewed him positively. The results underscore Trump’s continued ability to inspire loyalty among supporters while remaining one of the most polarizing figures in modern American politics.

The second most popular living president

Former President George W. Bush ranked as the second most popular living president in overall favorability, posting a 42% favorable rating. Bush’s image has improved significantly compared with the years immediately following his presidency, a trend political observers often attribute to the passage of time and changing public perceptions. Former President Bill Clinton followed with a 38% favorability rating and a 39% unfavorable rating, reflecting a more divided assessment of his legacy. In the admiration category, Clinton was selected by only 2% of respondents, while Bush received 1%, highlighting how strongly Obama and Trump dominate public perceptions of recent presidential history.

The poll also painted a difficult picture for former President Joe Biden. Biden registered a 30% favorability rating, the lowest among living presidents included in the survey. Only 20% of independents viewed him favorably, while his support among Democrats stood at 71%, significantly below Obama’s 96%. Just 5% of Republicans expressed a favorable opinion of Biden. The findings represent a continuation of a downward trend that began during the latter years of his presidency. Biden entered office in 2021 with a favorability rating near 59%, but his public standing steadily declined, reaching 33% when he left office and now falling to 30%, according to the CNN survey.

The Obama Presidential Center

The release of the poll coincides with the opening of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side. Situated on a 19.3-acre campus in Jackson Park, the privately funded project reportedly cost approximately $850 million and stands as one of the most ambitious presidential centers ever constructed. The complex includes a 225-foot museum tower, a full-scale replica of the Oval Office as it appeared during Obama’s presidency, a Chicago Public Library branch, athletic facilities inspired by Obama’s passion for basketball, and dozens of public art installations. As visitors begin arriving at the center, the new poll suggests that Obama’s public standing remains uniquely strong, reinforcing his position as the most popular living president in the United States.

On June 16, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new package of sanctions against Russia following a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France. The sanctions are targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, energy revenues, defence-industrial sector and individuals accused of supporting Russian disinformation efforts. The package will apply to 162 individuals, entities and vessels connected to what the Canadian government describes as Russia’s war machine. The announcement comes as Ukraine enters the fifth year of its war against Russia and continues pressing Western allies for additional military and economic support.

Carney unveiled the measures during a meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the summit. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed Ukraine’s battlefield situation, reconstruction efforts and continued international support for Kyiv. The are the latest step in Canada’s broader strategy to try and use economic pressure to weaken Russia’s ability to finance and sustain military operations. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on thousands of Russian individuals and organizations while providing billions of dollars in military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

The announcement comes after Canada has increased its aid to Ukraine in the last three months. Earlier this year, Ottawa committed billions of dollars in military assistance and announced an additional $270 million package designed to help Ukraine acquire critical military capabilities. Canada has also continued training Ukrainian troops and supporting reconstruction initiatives in areas damaged by the war. Government officials have argued that long-term support for Ukraine remains necessary to preserve European security and deter future acts of aggression by Russia.

Zelenskyy thanks Canada

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Canada for its continued support and described discussions among G7 leaders as productive. Throughout the summit, the Ukrainian president is urging his allies to increase air-defence support and strengthen sanctions aimed at Russia’s economy and military industries. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that Russia continues launching missile and drone attacks against civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities and residential areas throughout the country.

Carney meets with Zelenskyy

During the meeting with Zelensky, Carney also condemned Russia’s latest attacks on Kyiv, including a strike that damaged the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery. The Prime Minister’s Office said Canada remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction and helping the country strengthen its long-term economic resilience. Canadian officials have pointed to opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure, energy development and clean technology as Ukraine prepares for eventual post-war rebuilding efforts.

The discussions in France reflected a broader consensus among G7 leaders that continued pressure on Moscow remains necessary. Several leaders signalled support for additional sanctions targeting Russia’s energy exports, banking sector and military production capabilities. According to Zelensky, G7 leaders agreed that Russia has failed to achieve many of its strategic objectives and continues to suffer significant battlefield losses despite maintaining offensive operations in eastern Ukraine.

Will Russia back down to pressure?

Whether the latest sanctions will significantly alter the course of the war remains uncertain. Russia has spent years developing alternative trade networks and mechanisms designed to reduce the impact of Western sanctions. However, Canadian and European officials argue that sustained economic pressure continues to increase costs for the Russian government and complicate its ability to fund military operations over the long term. Analysts note that sanctions are often designed to gradually weaken economic capacity rather than produce immediate political results.

For Carney, the announcement also signals that Canada intends to remain an active participant in international efforts supporting Ukraine. As fighting continues and diplomatic negotiations remain stalled, Western governments appear increasingly focused on combining military assistance with economic pressure. Allies of Ukraine aim to force Russia toward a negotiated settlement. While there is little indication that the conflict will end in the near future, Canada’s latest sanctions demonstrate that Ottawa remains committed to backing Ukraine as the war enters it’s fifth year.