Ukraine carried out its largest attack on Moscow since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, sending nearly 200 drones towards the Russian capital and triggering fires, flight disruptions and injuries across the surrounding region.
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According to Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyov, 17 people were wounded in the attack. Russia’s Defence Ministry said almost 1,000 Ukrainian drones and four cruise missiles were intercepted and destroyed across the country over a 24-hour period. In the southern Rostov region, an oil depot was hit and one person was killed.
Moscow Region Hit by Mass Drone Strike
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the strikes on the Moscow region as “long-range sanctions”, a term Kyiv has increasingly used for attacks deep inside Russian territory.
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Zelensky said the operation was a response to a major Russian assault on Kyiv last week that set a prominent religious landmark on fire. He argued that Russia must take diplomatic steps to end the conflict.
“We don’t want this war and have never wanted it,” Zelensky said. “But if Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn too.”
Refinery Fire and Airport Disruptions
One of the main targets was the Kapotnya oil refinery in south-east Moscow, which was struck for the third time in a month and for the second time this week. Thick black smoke rose above the facility as fires broke out. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show the top of a large oil storage tank being blown high into the air by an explosion.
A nearby shopping centre also caught fire, reportedly after drone debris fell onto the building. Several residential tower blocks in the area were evacuated as a precaution.
The attack caused major disruption to air travel. Moscow’s four airports were temporarily closed, while more than 500 flights were delayed or cancelled.
Despite restrictions imposed by Russian authorities on publishing images from strike sites, numerous videos appeared online showing drones crossing the sky in daylight and explosions near industrial areas on the outskirts of the capital.
Ukraine Expands Long-Range Capabilities
More than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, fighting continues along the front line. Kyiv’s growing ability to strike targets deep inside Russia reflects Zelensky’s stated goal of bringing the consequences of the war closer to the Russian public.
Drone attacks on Moscow, located roughly 500 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, have become increasingly common since Ukraine began expanding its long-range strike capabilities. The first successful attacks on the capital took place in 2023, but involved far fewer drones than recent operations.
Russia has since strengthened air defences around Moscow, although Ukrainian attacks have also grown in scale and sophistication.
Russia and Ukraine Trade Fresh Blows
At the same time, Ukrainian officials said Russia launched more than 200 drones and several ballistic missiles against Ukraine overnight.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is attending a summit with Southeast Asian leaders in the city of Kazan, has not publicly commented on the attack.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha used social media to address residents of Moscow directly, saying Russians should ask Putin when he intends to bring the war to an end.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 June 2026