Russia warns of ‘nuclear strikes with catastrophic consequences’ after Moscow refinery drone attack on June 18

Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery south of Moscow, sending thick smoke over the city and drawing widespread attention. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that a direct NATO-Russia confrontation could escalate into an exchange of nuclear strikes with “catastrophic consequences.” He also said Russia plans regular large-scale conventional strikes against targets that directly affect Ukraine’s combat readiness. The incident has sharpened concerns over the security of energy infrastructure and the fragility of Black Sea and Russia–Europe energy routes, despite no known export disruption.