Overview
- Russian officials reported a large wave of long‑range drones during the night of Thursday, June 18, saying hundreds were intercepted across 18 regions while several penetrated defenses and struck the Kapotnya refinery southeast of Moscow.
- The Kapotnya (MNPZ) refinery caught fire after being hit for a second or third time in days, forcing temporary suspension of some refining operations and triggering road closures and thick smoke over the city.
- Moscow's four main airports restricted or halted flights and evacuated passengers during the raids, leaving hundreds of flights delayed or cancelled and prompting short‑term travel disruption for thousands of travellers.
- Authorities reported multiple injuries and at least one death in other regions, while videos and local statements describe damage to residential blocks and a shopping centre from falling debris; casualty and damage figures vary across official accounts.
- Analysts warn repeated strikes on Kapotnya could squeeze Moscow's fuel supply because the plant supplies a large share of the capital's petrol and diesel, and the escalation highlights Kyiv's growing use of long‑range drones to hit rear‑area logistics and pressure the Kremlin.