Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow since war began, striking oil refinery and causing black rain

Ukraine launches its largest drone attack on Moscow since the war began, striking the Kapotnya oil refinery and injuring 17 people. The attack, which caused a large fire and 'black rain,' disrupted over 500 flights. President Zelenskyy called it a justified response, warning 'your Moscow will burn too.' Russia claimed to down 555 drones and vowed harsher retaliation, as the attack highlights Ukraine's growing long-range strike capability.

Moscow oil refinery drone attack

• ▪Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Moscow on June 18, 2026, striking the Kapotnya oil refinery for the second time in a week
• ▪The drone attacks injured 17 people in the Moscow region, including two children
• ▪Operations at Moscow's four airports were temporarily suspended, with over 500 flights delayed or canceled
• ▪The attack caused a large fire and sent plumes of black smoke over the city, with one blast launching the lid of an oil storage tank into the air
• ▪The Moscow Oil Refinery, located about 16 km (10 miles) from the Kremlin, supplies up to 40% of the capital's petrol
• ▪Sooty "black rain" fell on cars and clothes in southeastern Moscow following the refinery fire

Ukrainian drone warfare strategy

• ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack was a justified response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities
• ▪Zelenskyy stated, "If Ukraine is going to burn, your Moscow will burn too," adding the attack aimed to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiations
• ▪Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha addressed Muscovites directly, stating the attack was a consequence of Russia's war of aggression

Russian air defense response

• ▪Russian hardliners, including Konstantin Malofeyev, called for harsher retaliation, with some suggesting the use of nuclear weapons
• ▪In response to the attack, Russia launched seven missiles and 239 drones towards Ukraine on June 18, 2026
• ▪Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses shot down 555 Ukrainian drones overnight, with nearly 200 intercepted near Moscow
• ▪Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of Russia's lower house of parliament, warned Moscow would respond with "harsher blows, with more powerful weapons."

Zelenskyy diplomatic coordination with G7

• ▪On June 18, 2026, Zelenskyy held talks with NATO and EU leaders in Brussels
• ▪The attack occurred hours after President Zelenskyy held a call with the U.S. and French presidents, securing pledges of support from the G7 summit
• ▪The UK announced it would pay £750m to supply Ukraine with 150,000 Ukrainian-made drones and over 350 air defence missiles

Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations status

• ▪U.S.-led peace efforts have stalled, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused a ceasefire demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump
• ▪An EU official confirmed "brief contacts at diplomatic level" with Russia to open communication channels, but no substantive discussions occurred

Battlefield momentum shift

• ▪European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the tide was turning, noting Ukraine is "holding the line, even partially regaining territory."
• ▪EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia is "on the back foot: militarily, economically and politically."