Moscow hit by largest Ukrainian attack since start of Russia's full-scale war

BBC News 2026-06-18 09:47:47
Context: Moscow came under a large-scale Ukrainian attack, with close to 200 drones hitting targets around the Russian capital, setting columns of thick smoke billowing high into the sky. The attack, which occurred recently, resulted in 17 people being wounded in the Moscow region. This incident marks an escalation in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • Close to 200 drones hit targets around Moscow, setting columns of thick smoke billowing high into the sky, with 17 people wounded in the Moscow region.
  • Almost 1,000 drones and four Ukrainian cruise missiles were intercepted and destroyed across Russia in 24 hours, according to the Russian defence ministry.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the massive drone strike was in response to last week's Russian attack on Kyiv, which set a major religious landmark ablaze, and added that "if Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn too."
  • The Kapotnya refinery in south-east Moscow was hit for the third time in a month and the second time this week, with numerous videos showing the lid of a large oil storage tank blown dozens of metres into the air by the force of an explosion.
  • Moscow's four airports were temporarily shut, with more than 500 flights cancelled or delayed, as a result of the drone attacks.

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