Ukraine launched Thursday morning the largest so far attack with drones against Moscow, including the largest oil refinery in the Russian capital and causing major fires. According to the Russian authorities, nearly 200 Ukrainian drones participated in the operation, which highlighted Kiev's growing ability to hit targets deep in Russian territory.
Moscow mayor, Sergei Sobianin, said air defense systems shot down at least 194 Ukrainian drones Thursday morning, on the third consecutive day of attacks on the Russian capital.
Pictures released on social media showed huge flames and dense smoke rising over southern Moscow, in one of the most striking blows the Russian capital has received since the start of the invasion of Ukraine.
At the same time, video shows the "rain" of burnt oil, falling to several parts of the Russian capital.
Oil-like resort is falling over Moscow and the surrounding region, leaving marks on cars, windows, benches, and other surfings. pic.twitter. Com/P103Ae9OWY— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 18, 2026
‘
According to residents of Zheleznodorozhny, dark tracks resembling soot or petroleum products were left on cars, windowshills, and other surfaces after the rainfall.
👉Follow@blyskavka ua pic.twitter. com/qasZJlN8nd— BLYSKAVKA (@blyskavka ua) June 18, 2026
The attack is considered an indication of Ukraine's ever-increasing ability to carry out long-range operations with drones of domestic construction, hitting critical military and energy installations away from the front line.
According to local authorities, at least 16 people were injured, among them two children.
Target Moscow's largest refinerySeveral of the drones hit Moscow Oil Refinery in the Capotnia area, in the southeastern suburbs of the city. This is the largest refinery in the metropolitan area.
The same band had been in sight of Ukrainian attacks on Tuesday, and had been hit about a month earlier.
Videos published on the internet record the moment when the large oil storage tank cap ejects hundreds of meters into the air after a strong explosion, while at other parts of the complex fires occur.
Footage of a Ukrainian attack drone hitting a storage tank at the Moscow Oil Refinery this morning, focusing the tank lid perfectly soaring hungreds of feed. pic.twitter. Com/2GIHEGK52M— OSINT technical (@Osinttechnical) June 18, 2026
pic.twitter. com/51Fjoqbjg2— Agence France-Presse (@afpfr) June 18, 2026
Sobianin confirmed that multiple drones hit the refinery and said emergency crews are attempting to extinguish the fires.
House and mall damage, airports closedUkrainian attacks also caused damage to apartment buildings in southern Moscow and the city suburbs. According to the Russian authorities, two of the largest malls in the capital's wider region were still affected.
The attack also had a significant impact on air transport. The four Moscow airports temporarily suspended their operation, while Aeroflot cancelled 170 flights.
Pressure on the Russian energy industryUkrainian attacks on energy infrastructure have already significantly affected Russian production capacity in the fuel sector.
Earlier this week, large gas station chains in Russia imposed restrictions on the quantities of petrol consumers can buy. The attacks targeting the supply lines to Crimea and the occupied areas of south-east Ukraine are particularly important.
Ukrainian companies have already caused fuel shortages in Crimea, with local authorities applying strict statements earlier this month.
Zelensky's answerAccording to the Ukrainian army, long-range drones were used in the operation Liutyi and FP-1, as well as special units of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and military intelligence (HUR).
Ukrainian President Volontimir Zelensky described the operation as a "very justified response" to Russian bombings that systematically affect Ukrainian cities. "If Putin does not want to end this war and wishes to continue it, we will not be inactive. We will answer," he said.
SBU reported in a communication that each such operation forces Russia to spend additional resources on repairs, strengthening air defence and restructuring the supply chain.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sibiha, even addressed Russian citizens by posting in H. "Now that you know what is happening, ask Putin when he intends to end the war," he wrote.
Support from G7The attack took place while G7 leaders met in France, where they pledged to support what they described as "new dynamics" for Ukraine, providing more anti-aircraft ammunition and defence systems.
Zelenski argued that the country's allies recognized the effectiveness of the Ukrainian mid- and long-range injuries. "All our partners stressed the accuracy and effectiveness of our operations," he said in a post.
At the same time, despite the continued advance of Russian forces at certain points in the front, their pace of progress has slowed significantly in recent months, while Ukrainian forces have regained territory in certain areas.