Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscowlargest drone attack on Moscow since 2022
Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Moscow and nearby targets on June 18, hitting a refinery, triggering fires, and forcing disruptions at the capital’s airports.
The strikes were among the biggest on Russia’s capital since the war began in 2022 and came as Kyiv and Moscow traded warnings of further escalation, underscoring how the conflict is spilling deeper into Russian territory.
Ukrainian Perspective
Ukrainian officials portrayed the strike as a response to Russian attacks and a way to show that Moscow cannot stay insulated from the war. They also framed the operation as part of a wider effort to pressure Russia militarily and politically while allies discussed support in parallel.
Russian Perspective
Russian officials acknowledged the attack and said their forces would continue striking Ukraine. They presented the drone raid as proof that the conflict is escalating and that Ukraine is acting with outside backing.
- Moscow’s airports are especially sensitive targets because they sit close to government and military infrastructure.
- Oil refineries are often targeted in wars because they can disrupt fuel supplies without striking frontline units directly.
- Russia’s long-range air defenses around the capital are among the most watched in the country.
Russia-Ukraine War
Russia and Ukraine are locked in an retaliatory long-range drone and missile war that now strikes deep into both countries, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Crimea, and major Ukrainian cities like Kyiv and Dnipro. Ukrainian forces launched one of their largest drone attacks on June 26, striking 12 Russian regions and hitting key energy targets, while Russia continues massive retaliatory bombardments that kill civilians and destroy infrastructure.
26 June, 09:41 AM
Ukraine unleashes massive drone bombardment on 12 Russian regions24 June, 10:31 AM
Ukrainian drones knock out power in Russian-held Sevastopol22 June, 03:20 PM
Ukraine strikes Russian missile electronics plant in Voronezh
