Ukraine launched its largest-ever drone attack on Moscow using nearly 200 drones between June 17 and early June 19, hitting a major oil refinery on the city's southeastern outskirts and sparking a large fire [1, 2, 3]. The Moscow Oil Refinery, owned by Gazprom, was heavily targeted in the raid.
Russian authorities reported 16 people injured in the refinery attack, while Anadolu Agency cited 17 injuries, reflecting slight discrepancies between sources [1, 3]. An eight-year-old girl was killed during the strikes, according to Moscow regional governor Andrei Vorobyov, who said she was at home with her grandmother, who was unharmed [2]. The attacks forced temporary grounding of flights at four Moscow airports [1].
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered frequent, massive counterstrikes on Ukrainian targets. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, "It is no coincidence that the president announced some time ago, after another stunt by the Kyiv terrorists, that we would now carry out massive group strikes on a regular basis. Against targets whose condition directly affects the combat capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This task has been set by the supreme commander-in-chief, and our armed forces are fulfilling it and will continue to fulfill it" [1, 3].
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the raids on Moscow as a justified response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including damage to a historic monastery in Kyiv. He called it "another important result of our warriors' work against facilities that sustain Russia's war machine" [1].
On June 19, Russia launched 90 drones against Ukraine, killing three people including an eight-year-old girl, continuing the violent exchange [2]. Ukrainian reports noted Russian drone strikes on civilians and Black Sea shipping on June 18 night [2].
The escalation marks a severe intensification with both sides conducting large-scale drone operations targeting military and civilian infrastructure. Russian authorities have vowed to continue regular massive strikes in response.
Fighting remains active as the conflict persists, with the next phase expected to see further Russian counterattacks following Lavrov's statement on June 18 and the drone attack on June 19.
