On June 18, 2026, a large number of Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow, with the Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya as a main target. This was the biggest drone attack on the Russian capital since the war began over four years ago. Russian air defenses reported intercepting about 200 drones over the city and a total of 555 across different areas. Another oil storage facility in Rostov Oblast was also hit.
The attack caused major disruptions. Moscow's airports canceled or delayed 527 flights. Falling debris damaged a shopping center and a residential building, forcing people to leave their homes. Authorities reported that 16 to 17 people were injured in the Moscow region.
The Kapotnya refinery is very important. It processes millions of tons of oil yearly and supplies a large amount of fuel for Moscow and the surrounding region. At least five fires broke out after the strike. This was the second attack on the refinery in just seven days.
Ukraine stated the refinery was targeted because it supplies fuel to the Russian military. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack was a response to Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities. He mentioned a recent drone strike on the historic Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery. Russia also launched missiles and drones at Ukraine on the same night as the Moscow attack.
The timing of the Moscow attack was significant, happening just before NATO defense leaders met. President Zelenskyy had spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump shortly before the drones were launched. The conflict has now directly affected residents of Moscow. Ukrainian officials stated that the attacks will continue until Russia stops the war.