Russia attacks Kyiv with ballistic missiles and drones

Russia launched ballistic missiles and strike drones at Kyiv overnight on June 18, causing explosions and prompting air alerts. This attack follows a large-scale assault on the capital days earlier. The exact nature of the explosions and any resulting damage or casualties in Kyiv were not immediately clear.

Concurrently, Ukrainian drones struck a Moscow oil refinery for the second time this week, and an oil depot in Rostov Oblast on June 18, 2026. These attacks resulted in casualties and damage. The drone strikes around Moscow also led to flight suspensions at the capital's airports. President Zelenskiy spoke with Donald Trump and other leaders to seek support for a peace deal.

The attacks highlight ongoing military actions between Russia and Ukraine. The targeting of infrastructure like oil refineries and depots suggests a strategy to disrupt economic and logistical capabilities. The dual nature of these attacks, with Russia targeting Kyiv and Ukraine targeting Russian territory, indicates a continued escalation of hostilities.