On a clear June morning, columns of thick black smoke rose over Moscow's skyline as close to 200 Ukrainian drones struck the Russian capital in the largest attack on the city since the full-scale war began. The attack, which targeted a major oil refinery and a shopping centre, wounded 17 people and forced the temporary closure of all four of Moscow's airports.
The basics: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the operation as a "fully justified" retaliation for Russia's recent strike on Kyiv's historic Dormition Cathedral. He also called for diplomacy, saying "It's time to end this war, and Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy." Russia's defence ministry said it intercepted and destroyed 555 Ukrainian drones across the country in 24 hours, though the number could not be independently verified.
“Explains Ukraine's long-range drone strikes on Moscow and their significance for the war.”
Background: Ukraine's long-range drone capabilities have grown significantly since the first successful strikes reached Moscow in spring 2023. Those early attacks were sporadic and rarely involved more than a handful of drones. Now, Kyiv regularly launches large salvos, often using reconnaissance decoys to map air defences before main strikes. The Kapotnya refinery in south-east Moscow supplies up to 40% of the capital's petrol and about 50% of its diesel, making it a strategic target. Zelensky has said these attacks aim to "bring the war home" to ordinary Russians, as the front-line war of attrition grinds on.
Why it matters for UK readers: These strikes show that the war in Ukraine is increasingly reaching deep into Russian territory, not just the front lines. This has potential knock-on effects on global energy markets, as Russian refinery infrastructure is a key supplier. It also raises questions about how the UK and its allies should respond – whether to provide more long-range weapons to Ukraine or to push for negotiations. The escalation could also affect UK security through increased Russian threats against NATO and potential spillover of hostilities.
Key questions answered: Q: Why did Ukraine attack Moscow? Ukraine said it was a retaliation for Russia's strike on Kyiv's Dormition Cathedral and aims to disrupt Russia's war effort by hitting energy infrastructure. Zelensky described it as a "fully justified" operation. Q: How does Ukraine launch drones so far into Russia? Ukraine has developed long-range drone capabilities since spring 2023, launching from near the border (about 500km from Moscow). They often use decoy drones to map air defences before main strikes. Q: What has been Russia's response? Russia's foreign minister promised "group strikes" on Ukraine on a regular basis. Russia's air defences claimed to have intercepted hundreds of drones. President Putin was in Kazan hosting ASEAN leaders.
What happens next: The war of attrition continues. Zelensky urged Russia to negotiate. Ukraine likely to continue long-range strikes to pressure Moscow. Russia may escalate its own aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities. The international community, including the UK, watches for further escalation.