Moscow’s powerful air defence fails, Ukraine’s drones unleashes hell in Russia, many building damaged, cloud of smoke cover…, watch video

Ukraine launched a fresh wave of drone attacks on Moscow, causing major damage to an oil refinery and several buildings and forcing authorities to suspend flights at key airports. Despite Russia’s claims that hundreds of drones were intercepted, some managed to penetrate Moscow’s air defence shield and strike targets inside the capital.

The attack is being seen as one of the largest drone assaults on Moscow since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Hundreds of Ukrainian drones launched towards Russia

According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, air defence systems shot down 555 Ukrainian drones overnight across several regions. Nearly 200 drones were intercepted near Moscow.

However, several drones managed to evade the country’s powerful air defence network and hit targets in and around the Russian capital.

Dozens of drones punched through Russian air defenses overnight, reaching the Moscow Oil Refinery just 14 km from the Kremlin.

The facility supplies around 40% of the Moscow region’s petrol and 50% of its diesel fuel. pic.twitter.com/NOIhMreLZj

— KyivPost (@KyivPost) June 18, 2026

Oil refinery catches fire after second attack in a week

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said drones struck the Moscow Oil Refinery located on the southeastern outskirts of the city.

The refinery, operated by Gazprom Neft, is a key fuel supplier for the Moscow region. It had also come under attack on June 16.

Reports indicated that storage tanks, crude oil processing facilities and diesel treatment units suffered damage. Videos circulating on social media showed huge flames and thick black smoke rising into the sky.

Buildings and shopping complexes damaged

Apart from the refinery, several structures were reportedly damaged in the attack. Russian officials said shopping complexes, including Sadovod and Belaya Dacha, along with some residential buildings, were affected.

Residents reported hearing loud explosions as smoke spread across parts of the city, creating panic and disrupting daily life.

Flights suspended at Moscow airports

Russia’s Transport Ministry temporarily halted operations at four major Moscow airports, including Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo.

Hundreds of flights were affected as authorities imposed restrictions following the drone strikes.

Zelensky calls attack a ‘justified response’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the strikes as a “justified response” to Russian attacks and said Ukraine’s long-range capabilities were now reaching the Moscow region.

Russia, meanwhile, condemned the incident and called it a “terrorist attack”. Officials said there was no confirmation of major civilian casualties, though debris from intercepted drones reportedly fell in some areas.