Ukraine’s biggest drone attack on Moscow triggers refinery fire, residents report ‘black rain’

Ukraine launched one of its biggest drone assaults on Moscow since the war began, hitting an oil refinery in the Russian capital’s south-eastern outskirts, disrupting air traffic and triggering reports of black oily residue falling in nearby neighbourhoods.

Russian authorities said at least 17 people were injured in the Moscow region after nearly 200 drones targeted the capital. The attack sparked fires at industrial facilities, forced temporary airport closures and caused widespread flight delays. Residents near the damaged refinery also reported finding dark specks on clothing and outdoor surfaces following the strike.

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It also intensified the war of words between Kyiv and Moscow as both sides exchanged threats of further escalation.

Heavy smoke rose over the city after the Kapotnya oil refinery was hit. The facility has reportedly come under attack multiple times in recent weeks. Videos circulating online showed a powerful explosion at an oil storage site, with the top section of a large tank blown into the air.

Residents living near the refinery described a light drizzle that left dark stains on clothing and surfaces.

Black rain falls on Moscow after a massive drone attack on its biggest oil refinery. pic.twitter.com/ZUYmqq1mTg

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) June 18, 2026

Moscow authorities rejected claims that “oil rain” had fallen. However, the city’s official Telegram channel advised people in the affected district to keep windows shut. Families with children, elderly residents and people suffering from respiratory conditions were urged to leave the area.

A shopping centre near the refinery also caught fire after debris from a drone reportedly struck the building.

Verified footage reviewed by the BBC showed a drone crashing into the upper floors of a residential tower, scattering glass and debris into the courtyard below. Separate videos appeared to show dark oily residue coating sections of pavement and parking areas.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said nearly 1,000 drones and four Ukrainian cruise missiles had been intercepted or destroyed across the country within 24 hours. In the southern Rostov region, an oil depot was struck and one person was reported killed.

Zelensky links attack to recent Russian strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the operation as a response to a recent Russian attack on Kyiv that damaged the Pechersk Lavra monastery.

“We don’t want this war and have never wanted it,” Zelensky said.

“But if Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn too.”

Russia responded with warnings of broader retaliation.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said future strikes on Ukraine would be carried out “on a mass scale”, arguing that stronger measures were necessary.

Moscow was covered by a black cloud following a huge fire at the oil refinery after the Ukrainian massive strikes.

In some parts of the city and suburbs, oil rains are being reported. pic.twitter.com/jqGNZBVFLx

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 18, 2026

Air defence systems face renewed scrutiny

The scale of the attack is likely to renew debate over the effectiveness of the air defence network protecting Moscow and key infrastructure around the capital.

Drone attacks on Moscow have become more frequent as Ukraine has expanded its long-range strike capabilities. Early attacks reaching the Russian capital in 2023 were relatively limited. Recent operations, however, have involved significantly larger numbers of drones.

Russia and Ukraine exchange overnight attacks

While Moscow dealt with the drone barrage, Russia also launched more than 200 drones along with multiple ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, according to Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is attending a summit with Southeast Asian leaders in Kazan, had not publicly commented on the attack at the time of reporting.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha used social media to directly address residents of Moscow.

“One of the most popular questions asked by Muscovites this morning is ‘What is going on?'” he wrote on X.

“Your country started a war of aggression against ours. For years, it has been killing our people. Now that you know what’s going on, ask Putin when he is planning to end it.”