How Ukraine’s devastating attacks on Putin’s oil refineries brought the war to Russia’s doorstep
Ukraine fired over 1,000 drones and missiles at Russia in its largest-ever assault on Moscow and surrounding regions, striking critical energy infrastructure and hitting an oil refinery. The attacks coincide with the aftermath of Vladimir Putin's scripted election victory and have resulted in at least three deaths. Officials report that output at the targeted Moscow oil refinery has been halted following the Sunday strike. The unprecedented aerial offensive brings the war directly to Russia's doorstep, signaling a significant escalation in the conflict.
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- ✓ Ukraine fired over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds launched at Moscow.
- ✓ Output at the Moscow oil refinery was halted following a Sunday drone attack.
- ✓ The attacks resulted in three deaths.
What changed
Ukraine executed its largest-ever mass drone and missile strike against Moscow and Russian oil facilities, launching over 1,000 projectiles in a single wave.
Live updates
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Ukraine Launches Largest-Ever Drone and Missile Attack on Moscow
Ukraine fired over 1,000 drones and missiles at Russia in its largest-ever assault on Moscow and surrounding regions, striking critical energy infrastructure and hitting an oil refinery. The attacks coincide with the aftermath of Vladimir Putin's scripted election victory and have resulted in at least three deaths. Officials report that output at the targeted Moscow oil refinery has been halted following the Sunday strike. The unprecedented aerial offensive brings the war directly to Russia's doorstep, signaling a significant escalation in the conflict.
Why it matters
The mass strikes mark a dangerous new phase in the war following the conclusion of Russian electoral polls. Ukraine's ability to deploy hundreds of drones and missiles deep into Russian territory demonstrates an expanded capability to strike strategic targets far from the front lines. In response to the assault on the capital, Russia has signaled plans to intensify its own attacks against Kyiv.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine fired over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds launched at Moscow.
- Output at the Moscow oil refinery was halted following a Sunday drone attack.
- The attacks resulted in three deaths.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia will intensify attacks on Kyiv after Moscow was hit with mass drone strikes.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of further strikes on Russian energy infrastructure
- Retaliatory missile campaigns by Russia directed at Kyiv
- Assessments of repair timelines for the halted Moscow oil refinery
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (14)
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Ukrainian drones and missiles target Moscow, oil refinery in deadly attack: Officials
- AP News — Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds launched at Moscow
- PBS — Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including 'largest ever' attack on Moscow
- The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Russia to ‘intensify’ attacks on Kyiv after Moscow hit with mass drone strikes
- Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 20, 2026
- washingtonpost.com — Ukraine marks Putin’s scripted election victory with assault on Moscow area
- Al Jazeera — Is it a missile? Is it a drone? What’s the Pelican used by Ukraine?
- Reuters — Moscow oil refinery output halted after Sunday drone attack, sources say
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Video Ukrainian drones and missiles target Moscow: Officials
- independent.co.uk — How Ukraine’s devastating attacks on Putin’s oil refineries brought the war to Russia’s doorstep
- ThePrint — Ukraine fires new indigenous ballistic missile in largest attack on Moscow. Why it matters
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — 'Largest-ever' attack: Ukraine launches over 1,000 drones at Russia, oil refinery hit; 3 killed
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