Moscow hit by record drone attack, two dead and a refinery damaged

Moscow and its region experienced the largest reported drone attack against the Russian capital during the night of September 19 to 20, 2026. Two people were killed, around twenty were injured, and the Moscow refinery was damaged, according to Reuters and the Associated Press.

Approximately 450 drones were directed at Moscow during the attack, according to figures reported by both agencies. In the Moscow region alone, Governor Andrei Vorobyov stated that 249 drones were shot down or neutralized between 3:00 am and 5:00 am across 17 districts.

The most severe consequences were reported in the Ramenskoe district. A 21-story residential building was damaged, and 400 people, including 70 children, were evacuated. Regional authorities also reported damage to several homes and vehicles.

The Moscow refinery, located in the Kapotnia district, was also affected. Reuters reported damage at the site, which is one of the main refining facilities supplying the capital. The plant processed approximately 11.6 million tons of oil in 2024.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that 1,110 Ukrainian drones were intercepted nationwide during the night. This figure, presented by Moscow, has not been independently verified. The Associated Press also reported that Ukraine used several long-range systems against Russian oil and logistics infrastructure.

The attack occurred on the last day of the Russian legislative elections. Authorities stated that voting continued despite the strikes and evacuations in the Moscow region. Preliminary national results were expected on Sunday evening.