Emerging
Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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Ukraine Launches Largest Drone Attack on Moscow, Hitting Oil Refinery and Disrupting Airport

Ukraine carried out its largest drone attack on Moscow in years, hitting the Kapotnya oil refinery for the second time this week. The attack caused fires, forced evacuations at Sheremetyevo Airport, and injured at least 17 people, as Kyiv described it as retaliation for Russian strikes on cultural sites in Ukraine.





Quick Facts
Who
Ukraine
What
drone attack on Moscow oil refinery
When
Thursday
Where
Moscow
- drone attack on Moscow oil refinery
- temporary closure of Moscow airports
- evacuations at Sheremetyevo Airport
- fires at a shopping center and apartment building
- retaliation vow by Russia
Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow on Thursday, striking a major oil refinery for the second time this week and causing thick black smoke, fires, and flight disruptions. The drone barrage targeted the Kapotnya refinery, located about 10 miles from the Kremlin, prompting the temporary closure of Moscow's largest airport and forcing evacuations. At least 17 people were wounded as fires also broke out at a shopping center and an apartment building, according to local authorities.
The attack comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Southeast Asian leaders at a summit in Kazan, and as Kyiv frames the strike as retaliation for Russian attacks on cultural landmarks in Ukraine, including a historic monastery and a cathedral. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the operation a "fully justified response" and warned, "If Ukraine is going to burn, your Moscow will burn too." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov vowed Moscow would retaliate with "massive" strikes on Ukraine.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that 190 drones were shot down on approach to the capital overnight, with several reaching the refinery. The Russian Defense Ministry said it intercepted over 500 Ukrainian drones across the country. The attack forced the temporary shutdown of Moscow's airports, with Sheremetyevo—the country's busiest—evacuating passengers to safe locations before reopening later in the morning. Local flights were also disrupted.
Kyiv has increasingly targeted Russian energy infrastructure, describing the campaign as "long-range sanctions" aimed at cutting off funding for Moscow's war effort. The strikes have deepened internal discontent within Russia, with some Moscow residents expressing fear and considering leaving the capital if attacks continue closer to the city center. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled, though U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled renewed engagement after the signing of a peace agreement with Iran.
Why This Matters
This escalation deepens the conflict's reach into Russia's capital, directly affecting air travel and energy infrastructure. For global readers, it signals that the war is entering a new phase where urban and energy targets are fair game, potentially disrupting oil markets and prompting international diplomatic recalibration.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 16, 2026
WireFirst Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow oil refinery this week
Jun 18, 2026
WireUkraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow, hitting oil refinery for second time this week
Jun 18, 2026
WireMoscow airports temporarily shut down; Sheremetyevo evacuates passengers
Jun 18, 2026
WireRussian officials report 190 drones shot down over Moscow, over 500 across country
Jun 18, 2026
WireZelensky calls attack 'fully justified response'; Lavrov vows massive retaliation