Ukraine marks Putin’s scripted election win with assault on Moscow refinery

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Ukraine launches largest ever drone attack on Moscow during Russian elections

   Ukraine fired over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds targeting Moscow in what sources describe as the largest attack on the capital to date. The strikes occurred on the final day of Russia's parliamentary elections and hit a Moscow oil refinery, halting its output. Officials report two deaths in the Moscow region and one death in the Samara region. In response, Russia has announced plans to intensify its attacks on Kyiv. Russia also claims to have struck Ukrainian cargo vessels, a logistics center, and the port of Izmail.

   Why it matters

   These strikes coincide with the conclusion of Vladimir Putin's parliamentary elections. Targeting energy infrastructure like oil refineries aims to bring the economic impact of the war directly into Russian territory.

   What is confirmed

   • Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drones at Russia.
   • Hundreds of drones were launched at Moscow in the largest ever attack on the city.
   • A Moscow oil refinery was hit, resulting in the halt of its output.
   • Two people died in the Moscow region.
   • The attacks occurred on the final day of Russia's parliamentary elections.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russia says a Ukrainian drone attack killed one person in the Samara region.
   • Russia claims to have hit Ukrainian cargo vessels, the port of Izmail, and a logistics center.
   • Russia plans to intensify attacks on Kyiv following the Moscow strikes.

   What to watch next

   • Official Russian reports on the total number of drones intercepted or destroyed
   • Evidence of the duration of the Moscow refinery shutdown
   • Confirmation of Russian retaliatory strikes on Kyiv
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. Reuters — Two dead in Moscow region, drones hit oil refinery in Russian capital
   2. CNN — Moscow targeted by ‘massive drone attack’ on day three of Russia’s parliamentary election
   3. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Ukrainian drones and missiles target Moscow, oil refinery in deadly attack: Officials
   4. AP News — Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds launched at Moscow
   5. PBS — Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including 'largest ever' attack on Moscow
   6. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Russia to ‘intensify’ attacks on Kyiv after Moscow hit with mass drone strikes
   7. Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 20, 2026
   8. France 24 — Live: Russia says it hit Ukrainian cargo vessels, Izmail port and logistics centre
   9. washingtonpost.com — Ukraine marks Putin’s scripted election victory with assault on Moscow area
   10. Al Jazeera — Is it a missile? Is it a drone? What’s the Pelican used by Ukraine?
   11. Reuters — Moscow oil refinery output halted after Sunday drone attack, sources say
   12. CNN — Moscow targeted by Ukraine’s largest ever drone attack on final day of Russia’s election
   confidence 90%