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Jun 18, 20261
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Ukraine Launches Record Drone Attack on Moscow, Major Oil Refinery Blaze Reported
Ukraine carried out its largest-ever drone attack on Moscow on June 18, sparking fires at the Moscow Oil Refinery and forcing evacuations at Sheremetyevo Airport. The assault, which Russian officials described as massive, targeted infrastructure critical to Russia's war effort as diplomatic peace talks remain frozen.

Quick Facts
Who
Ukraine
What
largest drone attack on Moscow in recent years
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Moscow
- largest drone attack on Moscow in recent years
- oil refinery caught fire
- airport evacuated passengers and restricted flights
- drone crashed into apartment building
- shopping center fire caused by drone debris
Ukraine launched its largest-ever drone assault on Moscow and its surroundings on June 18, causing fires at a key oil refinery and leading to temporary flight restrictions at Sheremetyevo International Airport, according to Russian officials and local media.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated on Telegram that air defense forces were actively repelling a massive attack, with several drones reaching the Moscow Oil Refinery. While Sobyanin did not specify damage to the facility, multiple Russian media outlets reported that the refinery had caught fire. The attack occurred as Russian President Vladimir Putin was preparing to host a meeting with Southeast Asian leaders in Kazan, about 700 kilometers east of Moscow.
Sheremetyevo Airport, the capital's busiest, announced it had evacuated passengers to safe areas and restricted flights during the intense assault. Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov confirmed that a drone crashed into an apartment building in the Zhukovsky district and that debris from a drone caused a fire at a shopping center near the capital's outskirts.
Russian state news agency TASS described the attack as the largest on Moscow in at least two years. The strike comes as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, now in its fourth year, have stalled, and Ukraine has intensified its campaign of targeting oil refineries that underpin Russia's war economy. Unverified videos on social media showed thick black smoke rising over the city and drones flying overhead.
Why This Matters
This attack demonstrates Ukraine's growing capability to strike deep inside Russian territory, targeting critical economic infrastructure. For readers, it signals an escalation in the conflict that could disrupt global oil markets, increase flight disruptions in Moscow, and further strain diplomatic resolution prospects.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireUkraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow
Jun 18, 2026
WireMoscow Oil Refinery catches fire
Jun 18, 2026
WireSheremetyevo Airport evacuates passengers and restricts flights
Jun 18, 2026
WireDrone crashes into apartment building in Zhukovsky district
Jun 18, 2026
WireFire at shopping center near Moscow due to drone debris
Jun 18, 2026
WirePutin prepares for meeting with Southeast Asian leaders in Kazan