An unprecedented event in the history of the conflict occurred on Thursday, June 18, 2026, as Ukrainian forces launched up to 1,000 drones to attack targets across Russia in a single day. This marks the largest drone strike since the outbreak of the war in 2022.
Ukraine Launches Largest-Ever Attack with 1,000 Drones
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, nearly 200 of those drones targeted the capital city of Moscow. The attack caused significant destruction, most notably sparking a massive fire at the Kapotnya oil refinery, a critical facility that supplies up to 50% of Moscow's diesel and gasoline.
Debris and damage in the Moscow region following the Ukrainian drone attack
Beyond the refinery, falling debris and direct drone strikes also damaged several civilian sites, including:
- A fitness center in the Lyubertsy district
- Several residential buildings
- Major shopping centers, including Sadovod and Mega Belaya Dacha
The chaotic situation forced Moscow's four major international airports—Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky—to suspend operations, grounding hundreds of flights. While no fatalities have been reported, Russian authorities confirmed that 17 people were injured in the capital.
The Kremlin reacted with intense fury. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Russia-ASEAN summit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared that Russia would initiate massive, regular retaliatory strikes. These attacks will target any facility in Ukraine that directly supports the combat readiness of Kiev's armed forces, with Lavrov emphasizing that "words alone are no longer enough."
