18/06/2026
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18/06/2026
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MOSCOW, Jun 18: A Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow has caused fires and explosions, with footage circulating online showing a massive fireball rising from what appeared to be an oil facility as debris fell across the area.
Russian officials said Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on the Moscow region in years on Thursday, targeting locations in and around the Russian capital. The assault reportedly triggered fires and forced temporary evacuations at Russia’s largest airport.
Unverified videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke rising over Moscow’s skyline, while other footage appeared to show drones flying above the city. Additional videos captured people reacting in panic as explosions were heard and smoke poured from a building.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defence forces were responding to a “large-scale attack” and that several drones had reached the Moscow Oil Refinery (MNPZ).
“Air defence forces are continuing to repel a large-scale attack. Several drones managed to reach the MNPZ,” Sobyanin wrote on Telegram, adding that authorities had closed nearby roads around the facility.
The mayor did not provide details about the extent of the damage, but several Russian media outlets reported that the refinery had caught fire following the drone strikes.
The attack came hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin was scheduled to meet Southeast Asian leaders at a summit in Kazan, located about 700 kilometres east of Moscow.
Kyiv has intensified drone strikes deep inside Russian territory in recent months, targeting oil refineries and energy infrastructure that Ukraine says help finance Moscow’s military operations. The strikes come as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled.
Russian authorities have not provided a full assessment of the damage, while Ukraine has not immediately commented on the reported attack.
