Kyiv hit by Iskander missile strikes

On 18 June 2026, Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow since the start of the full-scale war. About 194 drones targeted the Moscow region, setting a Moscow oil refinery ablaze for the second time in a week. Flights were disrupted, with 500 delayed, and an airport was shut, evacuations followed, and Red Square was shut down.

Zelensky called the refinery strike a 'justified response' and warned that 'Moscow will burn' if Russian strikes continue, linking the attack to a strike on the Lavra. Russia struck Kyiv as Zelensky spoke to Trump about a peace deal, and the Moscow attack came as global leaders met.