Moscow Region Hit by Largest Ukrainian Drone Attack Since War Began

Massive Ukrainian Drone Strike Targets Moscow Region

According to ХВИЛЯ: In the early hours of May 17, Ukraine launched its most extensive drone assault on the Moscow region since the start of the full-scale invasion. This attack represents a significant escalation in the conflict, as Ukrainian forces increasingly strike deep inside Russian territory. The operation specifically targeted:

• The Moscow Oil Refinery
• The Solnechnogorsk oil depot
• Sheremetyevo Airport
• Several microelectronics plants, including the sanctioned JSC NPO Angstrem

The assault was coordinated with sabotage on communication towers, which hindered emergency response efforts.

Impact and Aftermath of the Strike

Explosions were reported in the towns of Klin, Zelenograd, Skhodnya, Khimki, Dedovsk, and Durikino. In Zelenograd, the JSC NPO Angstrem facility-a manufacturer of microchips for navigation systems-was struck. Notably, this enterprise was placed under the management of Rostec in May 2023. The attack on the Solnechnogorsk oil pumping station ignited an RVS-5000 tank, with flames spreading to a second tank. This station is a critical hub in the Transneft pipeline network.

The operation involved FP-1 and Lyutyi drones, as well as the Bars drone-missile, which has a range of 700–800 kilometers. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 556 Ukrainian drones during the attack. However, in the Istra district of the Moscow suburbs, a five-story residential building in Dedovsk was damaged, resulting in three hospitalizations. Several private homes in the settlement of Agrogorodok were also damaged. Damage to the overhead wire near Ustinovka station temporarily halted electric train services.

In response to the attack, Russia's Transport Ministry reported that 51 aircraft were unable to land at Moscow airports, including Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky. Over 32 flights were delayed by more than two hours. Residents of Khimki, Mytishchi, Zelenograd, and Lobnya complained about the absence of air raid sirens and SMS alerts, as well as difficulties reaching emergency services by dialing 112.

“The Moscow region has experienced the largest attack since the war began. But there will be more to come. And on Moscow itself as well. Everything in its time,” said Serhiy Sternenko.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that “our people need more protection, and everything that supports Ukrainian air defense ultimately helps save lives.”

Over the past week, Russia launched more than 3,170 attack drones, over 1,300 guided aerial bombs, and 74 missiles against Ukraine. These strikes killed 52 people and injured 346, including 22 children.

This Ukrainian attack highlights the escalating conflict and a shift in tactics, as Ukrainian forces seek to expand their reach into Russian-controlled territory. Meanwhile, the response from Russian military and civilian services underscores regional tensions and potential security gaps. These developments could shape the future trajectory of the war and the strategies of both sides in the coming months.

As the conflict intensifies, the latest drone attack on Moscow has drawn parallels with recent military actions. In a related incident, Russia executed a large-scale strike on Ukraine, targeting numerous sites and resulting in casualties across various regions. For a comprehensive overview of this escalating situation and its implications, see more about the recent military operations and their impact.