Ukrainian drones strike oil refinery close to central Moscow 

Multiple Ukrainian drones struck targets in the Moscow area during the night and early morning of June 18, 2026. 

The attacks, which appeared to have involved FP-1 long range drones as well as some missiles, were directed primarily at the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district several miles to the southeast of the Russian capital. 

Several drones managed to breach air defenses causing damage and starting fires throughout the refinery complex. The upper lid of at least one oil storage tank was blown up, with the moment of the explosion captured on camera. 

In the aftermath of the attacks, thick black smoke columns could be seen rising from the targeted area from several parts of Moscow.  

Russian authorities claim to have shot down around 180 drones in the vicinity of the capital and a total of 555 of overall, including in other regions of the country. As can be seen in some videos circulating on social media, some of these interceptions have also resulted in damage on the ground, when debris fell in urban areas. A commercial center and at least one apartment building appeared to have also been struck in the attack.  

Dramatic footage of the attack and its aftermath have begun circulating on social media, with several footage posted on social media showing multiple drones overflying Moscow’s suburbs, with some of being intercepted mid-air by air defenses. 

The attack has also caused severe disruption to air traffic, with Moscow airports closing to civilian traffic and hundreds of flights being delayed or cancelled. 

This was the second consecutive day of drone attacks targeting the Russian capital, although previous waves were on a much smaller scale and caused less damage.  

Russian authorities had recently introduced new measures to restrict the movement of light aircraft and drones in the vicinity of Moscow. The new regulations force drones to remain at altitudes of at least 5,200 m (17,000 ft), ‌which effectively shuts most of them out of this airspace, since this altitude is beyond the operational ceiling of most of these types of aircraft.

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