Key facts
- Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district overnight on June 18.
- Approximately 194 Ukrainian drones were intercepted by Russian air defenses around Moscow.
- The attack injured at least 17 people, including two children, according to Russian authorities.
- Over 170 flights were canceled and more than 110 delayed due to the drone attack.
- Belgium announced it would deliver seven F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of the year.
Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow to date, hitting an oil refinery and causing significant flight disruptions. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the strike on the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district, stating it was a justified response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that Russian air defenses intercepted approximately 194 Ukrainian drones on the outskirts of the capital. The attack injured at least 17 people, including two children, according to Russian authorities. Major air travel disruptions occurred, with Aeroflot and Rossiya canceling over 170 flights and delaying more than 110 others.
Ukraine's General Staff confirmed the strike on the refinery, noting at least five fires. Zelensky warned that Ukraine would continue to respond if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not end the war, emphasizing the need for increased pressure on Russia's energy sector and defense industry.
In parallel developments, the office of European Council President Antonio Costa has established limited diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin to explore reopening communication channels. Ukraine's General Staff denied Russian claims that a Ukrainian drone struck a bus carrying a Belarusian children's football team, calling it an information provocation.
Ahead of a NATO defense ministers' meeting, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands announced new military aid for Ukraine, including F-16 fighter jets. Belgium stated it would deliver seven F-16s by the end of the year, with three operational and four for spare parts. Zelensky highlighted air defense strengthening as a key priority for the meeting.