Emerging
Published Jun 18, 2026Updated Jun 18 Major2
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Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow in two years; over 190 drones intercepted
Ukraine conducted its largest drone attack on Moscow in two years on June 18, 2026, with over 190 aircraft intercepted by air defenses. Despite extensive defensive efforts, drones struck the Moscow oil refinery, damaged civilian infrastructure including shopping centers and an apartment building across the region, and forced four major airports to suspend operations temporarily.
Quick Facts
- Ukraine launched drone attack on Moscow
- Over 190 drones intercepted by air defenses
- Moscow oil refinery in Kapotnya struck
- Drone debris fell on shopping centers in Moscow and Lyubertsy
- Apartment building struck in Zhukovsky
Ukraine conducted its largest drone attack on Moscow in two years on June 18, 2026, prompting a significant air defense response that intercepted more than 190 unmanned aircraft throughout the day. According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, the scale of the assault far exceeded previous incidents, with air defenses downing approximately 180 drones in the first eight hours alone, surpassing the previous record of 81 drones intercepted on May 17.
Despite the extensive air defense efforts, several drones penetrated Moscow's defenses and struck critical infrastructure and civilian areas. The Moscow oil refinery in Kapotnya sustained direct hits, requiring emergency response measures to address the aftermath. Drone debris also damaged a shopping center in Moscow, though no injuries were reported at that location. Bus routes in the Kapotnya district were altered following the refinery strike.
The attack caused widespread damage across the Moscow Region. In Lyubertsy, drone debris struck a shopping center roof, igniting a fire, while damage was also reported at a fitness center and an industrial facility. In Zhukovsky, an enemy drone hit an apartment building on the twenty-fifth floor, destroying two balcony slabs—one of which fell onto a children's playground. A private house in Stepanovo near Elektrostal was damaged by falling debris, and a woman sustained a minor shoulder injury. Additionally, a vehicle in Elektrostal caught fire after being struck by debris, though the fire was quickly contained.
The attack forced four major airports in the Moscow Region—Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky—to temporarily halt flights to ensure aviation safety. The Russian Transport Ministry and Federal Air Transport Agency closely monitored operations, with passengers evacuated to secure areas and shelters at Sheremetyevo. Flight restrictions were later lifted as the situation stabilized.
Emergency services responded to multiple impact sites throughout Moscow and the Moscow Region, addressing fires and structural damage while verifying casualty reports. The incident represented a significant escalation in drone warfare targeting Russian infrastructure and demonstrated Ukraine's capability to conduct coordinated large-scale operations deep within Russian territory.
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Why This Matters
This attack marks a critical escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, demonstrating Ukraine's ability to conduct sophisticated, large-scale drone operations at strategic depth within Russian territory. The strike on Moscow's oil refinery signals potential disruption to Russia's energy sector, which has direct implications for fuel supply and military logistics. For international observers, the incident illustrates evolving drone warfare tactics and raises questions about air defense efficacy even with modern interception systems. Civilian casualties and airport disruptions underscore the broadening impact of conflict beyond military targets.