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Jun 18, 2026 Major3
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Major Traffic Restrictions Imposed in Southeast Moscow After Drone Attack

Moscow authorities imposed major traffic restrictions on the southeastern MKAD and nearby streets following a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on the city. The attack struck the Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya and a shopping center, with no casualties reported. Bus routes were rerouted, and residents were advised to use the metro.





Quick Facts
Who
Moscow Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD)
What
imposed traffic restrictions
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Southeast Moscow
- imposed traffic restrictions
- closed roads and streets
- rerouted bus routes
- drone attack on Moscow
- strike on Moscow Oil Refinery
Authorities in Moscow have imposed major traffic restrictions on the southeastern section of the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD) and several adjacent streets following a large-scale drone attack on the city. The measures were announced early on June 18, 2026, by the Moscow Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) and the city's Department of Transport.
According to official statements, traffic is temporarily closed on Verkhnie Polya Street in both directions from the MKAD to Maryinsky Park Street, on Chaginskaya Street, and on Kapotnya Street from the "1st Quarter of Kapotnya" bus stop to the MKAD. Movement is restricted on certain sections of the MKAD itself, including the inner side near Moldagulova Street and Volgogradsky Prospekt, as well as the outer side at the 19th and 25th kilometers. The Novoryazanskoye Highway (Volgogradsky Prospekt) towards the city center and Privolnaya Street are also affected.
In response to the closures, the routes of several municipal bus services in the Kapotnya area have been altered. Among the affected routes are numbers 436, S694, S744, 739k, and 739v. Authorities have urged drivers to plan alternative routes in advance and to avoid stopping on the roadway. Residents are advised to use the metro, specifically recommending stations on the Zamoskvoretskaya, Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya, and Lyublinsko-Dmitrovskaya lines.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that the restrictions were put in place after a massive drone attack on the capital. Sobyanin reported that 180 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) heading towards Moscow were shot down, and 52 drones were neutralized since the start of the day. The mayor confirmed a strike on the Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya, causing a fire, and damage to a building at the Sadovod shopping center. No casualties have been reported. As of the morning, some previously imposed traffic restrictions have been lifted, including on a section of the MKAD's inner side. Rosaviatsiya also lifted temporary restrictions at Moscow's Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports, while measures remained in place at Sheremetyevo Airport.
Why This Matters
This incident highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure near major capitals during ongoing conflicts. For readers, it underscores how drone warfare can directly disrupt daily life, transportation, and economic activity in a major city—forcing authorities to impose sudden restrictions that affect commuting, logistics, and emergency response planning.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireLarge-scale drone attack on Moscow begins; 52 drones neutralized from start of day.
Jun 18, 2026
WireTraffic restrictions announced by MVD on southeastern MKAD and adjacent streets.
Jun 18, 2026
WireVedomosti reports traffic closures and drone strike on oil refinery; Rosaviatsiya lifts restrictions at some airports.
Jun 18, 2026
WireAuto Mail reports some restrictions lifted; bus routes rerouted; metro recommended.