Ukraine hits Moscow with heavy drone strikes, igniting oil refinery

Ukraine's long-range drone attack on Moscow underscores the growing reach of Kyiv's domestic weapons industry. On 18 June, Ukraine launched a major operation aimed at Moscow's energy infrastructure, centered on the Gazprom-operated Moscow petroleum refinery with long-range drones. Dozens of one-way munitions breached air defenses in the early hours, and strikes continued throughout the day. Kyiv confirmed the operation, with Zelensky calling it a fully justified response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and noting additional strikes in the Rostov region and in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. The Ukrainian side highlighted the use of FP-1 kamikaze drones, produced by Fire Point, with a base range of 890 nautical miles (1,650 km) and the option to extend beyond 1,450 nm with wing-mounted tanks. Moscow's four commercial airports were temporarily shuttered, and authorities reported more than 500 flights cancelled or delayed due to the disruption.