Daily
Thursday, 18 June 2026
[88748] Massive drone attack on Russia; Ukraine reports strike on refinery near Moscow
Massive drone attack in the heart of Russia
Overnight, the Russian capital was attacked by a widespread wave of drones, which according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, constituted a "fair response" to the Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities. The Center for Strategic Communication (SPRAVDI) and official sources in Kyiv confirmed that the operation targeted strategic energy infrastructure, with an emphasis on the Moscow refinery.
Reports from the parties and damage details
According to the 'Novinach' Telegram channel, which is identified with support for the Ukrainian position, this is one of the most massive attacks in the last year. Russian officials, including Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, claimed that about 180 drones were shot down, while the Khuy Kyiv channel reports that the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that 555 unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted. Despite the interception data, field documentation shows plumes of black smoke over the Kapotnya refinery and reports of hits on civilian buildings in the cities of Zhukovsky and Lyubertsy.
Escalation on the Ukrainian front
In parallel with the attacks inside Russia, UA Stream reports that Russia launched its own attacks using 'Iskander' ballistic missiles and waves of drones on Kyiv, the Poltava region, and the Kyiv region. The Kyiv Regional Military Administration confirmed that as a result of the bombardment, damage was caused to civilian infrastructure, educational institutions, and residential houses in these areas.
President Zelenskyy noted that "it is time to end this war" and called for diplomatic steps from Russia's side. The Reala Vina channel, which presents a clear pro-Ukrainian position, emphasized that the damage to technological facilities in the refineries is intended to create a fuel shortage inside Russia and paralyze the Russian war machine.