Russia’s largest oil refinery, which supplies half of Moscow’s fuel needs, has erupted in flames.
The fiery glow over Gazprom Neft was first reported at around 2.30am, by residents in the districts of Kapotnya, Maryino and Brateevo.
Footage of the blaze was posted by the pro-Kremlin news outlet Shot, before being taken down later.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations said: “There are no active fires in Moscow.”
A fiery blaze was spotted in Moscow from its largest oil refinery
The oil refinery supplies 40 per cent of Moscow’s gasoline needs and 50 per cent of its diesel fuel.
Independent Russian news outlet Ostorozhno Moskva also shared evidence of the incident on its Telegram channel, however pinpointed the cause of the blaze to planned work at the site.
It added: “An oil refinery torch frightened residents of south-east Moscow.
“The glow was visible at night in different areas of the southeast of the capital. A column of fire rose from the chimney of the Kapotnya refinery; residents mistook the outbreak for a fire.
“The flare was explained by planned work at the plant.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Last week, Russia fired a barrage of missiles against the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Mykolaiv.
In Kyiv, fallen debris from the downed weapons cut off electricity to parts of the capital.
Following a nationwide air raid alert, residents were sheltered in underground tube stations as explosions were heard across the capital.
Vitaliy Klychko, the city’s mayor, warned: “Explosions in the city. Air defence is working. Stay in shelters!
“An apartment building caught fire in Holosiivsky district. Firefighters and rescue unit are on its way to the scene.
Last week, Moscow fired a barrage of missiles against the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Mykolaiv
Reuters“And in the Dnipro district of the capital, there are currently two injured people. Both were treated by medics on the spot.”
Global tensions grew with the firing of the F-16 jets at Ukraine, as their trajectory saw them going close to the Polish border.
Whilst the missiles hit their intended target of a marine drone plant, their proximity to the eastern European country’s border caused Nato to scramble three of its war plans in response.
Poland is a Nato member, which means any aggression against it could lead to a triggering of the military alliance’s Article 5.
The Article states that an attack against one member is considered an attack against all 31 nations, and if the attacked member wants to fight back, others shall assist with armed force if necessary.
