Ukraine carried out a significant drone strike overnight against Moscow and nearby areas, targeting oil depots and logistics centers over 400 miles from its own border. Ukrainian and Russian officials confirmed this development.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that more than 400 Ukrainian drones were launched towards the Moscow region between Sunday night and early Monday, with 85 of these drones being downed before reaching the capital. Additionally, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that its military intercepted 381 drones across various regions, including the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
The accuracy of Russia’s claims remains unverified. At least 10 individuals were reported injured in the Moscow region, among them three Chinese nationals. In Domodedovo, a residential building was hit, and a fire ignited in an industrial area near one of Moscow’s main airports, according to local authorities.
This operation hints that Ukraine is shifting from minor symbolic strikes to a more sustained campaign aimed at disrupting Russia’s military supply lines. By targeting oil facilities and transport links far from the front, Kiev aims to choke off fuel supplies and undermine Russian military revenue, all while compelling Moscow to divert its air defense systems.
Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries have seen a significant uptick since the start of 2026, leading to refinery closures and reduced fuel production, as reported by Reuters.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukrainian operations are focused on logistics facilities and oil depots well beyond the Ukrainian border. He acknowledged the effects of long-standing sanctions, emphasizing a fair response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.
In a related note, Wildberries, often referred to as the “Russian Amazon,” temporarily evacuated its distribution center in Podolsk for safety before planning to resume operations. The company has faced accusations of aiding the Russian military.
In a separate incident, a recent Russian missile attack on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship Golden Leo resulted in the deaths of 10 crew members near Odesa. Ukrainian officials reported that the ship was hit by three cruise missiles and subsequently caught fire.
Ksenia Svetlova from Chatham House suggested that disruption to companies like Wildberries won’t necessarily influence President Putin’s strategy, as the Russian war efforts continue unabated. There are issues at hand—including reluctance for another large-scale mobilization given recent emigration of young Russians—which complicate matters for the Russian military, which is still in desperate need of reinforcements.
This escalation follows one of the largest Russian ballistic missile attacks, targeting Kiev. The nighttime bombardment resulted in at least one death and several injuries.
Meanwhile, back in Ukraine, significant domestic unrest is growing over the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a reformer aiming to modernize military practices. Protesters have called for both Fedorov’s reinstatement and the removal of top military commander General Oleksandr Shirushkyi, the latter criticized for resisting modernization. While Fedorov accused a fellow military figure of undermining reforms, Zelenskiy hinted at ongoing discussions about military leadership without confirming specific changes.
