Ukrainian drone unit strikes near Moscow
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The gist
Ukraine launched almost 800 drones at Moscow in a second major attack. The strikes aim to pressure Russia's economy and bring Moscow to negotiations.
Background
Ukraine has been developing long-range drones to strike deep inside Russia, targeting military, industrial, and logistical sites. The recent attacks on Moscow and other regions are among the largest since the war began in 2022, with hundreds of drones launched in a single night. These strikes are part of Ukraine's strategy to bring the war home to ordinary Russians and push Moscow back to the negotiating table after U.S.-brokered talks stalled.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026Ukraine launched roughly 600 drones at the Moscow region overnight, hitting a Wildberries warehouse and killing one civilian. Russia claimed to have intercepted 201 drones and neutralized over 800 across the country.
- Aug 18, 2026Ukraine fired almost 800 drones at Russia, the second-largest drone attack since January 2025. Russian air defenses intercepted 791 drones. A Russian missile strike on the village of Pechenihy in Kharkiv killed at least 10 civilians.
- Aug 19, 2026Associated Press journalists observed a launch by the Ukrainian 413th 'Raid' Unmanned Systems Regiment. Commander Yevhen Karas said his unit had taken part in the strike on the Wildberries warehouse and believes the campaign will drive Moscow to negotiations.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed air defenses intercepted 201 drones, and Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed to have neutralized over 800 drones nationwide.
- Military
- Ukrainian 413th Regiment Commander Yevhen Karas said the long-range strike campaign is bringing the cost of war to ordinary Russians and hopes it will drive Moscow back to the negotiating table.
- Analysts
- The Independent reported that British-made drones have been used in Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russia for the first time, indicating strengthening military ties between the UK and Kyiv.
Still unverified
Russia's claim of destroying 822 drones nationwide, if accurate, suggests Ukraine launched well over 800 UAVs in a single night. The use of British drones in attacks deep inside Russia is based on a report in The Times, citing Ukrainian army sources.