Russia faced one of the largest drone attacks on Moscow in recent months overnight, as Ukrainian drones targeted key energy and infrastructure sites in and around the Russian capital. Explosions were reported across Moscow, while large plumes of black smoke rose over the city after strikes hit the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district.
According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, Russian air defense systems intercepted dozens of drones heading toward the capital. He described the assault as a “massive attack” and acknowledged that several drones managed to reach the refinery. “Air defense forces continue to repel the massive attack. Several drones managed to reach the refinery. Measures are being taken to deal with the consequences,” Sobyanin said.
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
Videos shared by residents on social media showed multiple fires burning at the refinery, with thick smoke visible from different parts of Moscow. Independent monitoring groups reported that several separate fires broke out on the facility's grounds, suggesting multiple successful strikes. The refinery, located roughly 15 kilometers from the Kremlin, is one of Russia’s most important fuel-processing sites. It supplies about 40% of gasoline demand in the Moscow region, around half of its diesel fuel, and provides aviation fuel for airports and military purposes.
