Ukraine Launches Massive Overnight Drone Attack on Russia; Moscow Claims 660 UAVs Used

June 26, 2026

Moscow: Ukraine launched one of its largest overnight drone offensives since the start of the war, targeting multiple regions across Russia, including areas around Moscow and Russian-occupied Crimea.

Russian authorities claimed that air defence systems intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones during the attack, describing it as one of the biggest drone barrages of the conflict.

According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, the drones were shot down over more than a dozen regions, including Moscow, Crimea, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said dozens of drones heading toward the Russian capital were intercepted, while emergency services were deployed to locations where debris fell.

The large-scale assault reportedly forced temporary flight restrictions at several Moscow airports, including Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Sheremetyevo, disrupting air traffic operations. Russian officials said there were no immediate reports of major casualties in the capital.

Part of Ukraine’s Intensified Drone Campaign

The attack comes as Ukraine continues to expand its long-range drone operations deep inside Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has recently highlighted efforts to target Russian military, energy and logistics infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Moscow.

Reports indicated that several strategic sites, including industrial and energy facilities, were among the intended targets of the latest strikes. Russian authorities also reported attacks in Crimea and other regions critical to military supply routes.

Drone Warfare Escalates in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The latest barrage underscores the growing role of drone warfare in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both sides have increasingly relied on unmanned aerial vehicles to strike targets far behind front lines, with attacks becoming larger and more sophisticated over the past year.

Analysts say the surge in long-range drone operations is placing increasing pressure on Russian air-defence systems and key infrastructure, while also demonstrating Ukraine’s expanding capability to conduct deep-strike missions inside Russian territory.

The overnight operation is being viewed as one of the most significant drone attacks of the war, highlighting the intensifying technological dimension of the conflict as both sides continue to exchange long-range aerial strikes.