In the early hours of Thursday, June 26, loud explosions startled people in Moscow and nearby regions. The sounds were caused by drones involved in a major attack that, according to Russian authorities, included dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles targeting various parts of the country.
Sudden Blasts Shake Moscow in Early Morning Drones Attack
Residents in areas like Didovsk in the Istrinsky district, Zelenograd, and Moskovskiy in New Moscow heard several blasts in a short time. According to the Russian Telegram channel Mash, “In just five minutes, at least five explosions were heard in the sky.”
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that air defense systems were able to shoot down two drones that were heading towards the city. In response to the threat, Vnukovo Airport — one of the busiest airports in the capital — activated the “Carpet” plan. This is a special protocol used during aerial threats to ensure the safety of air traffic and passengers.
As a result, operations at Vnukovo were restricted temporarily. At least five flights had to be rerouted to Sheremetyevo Airport, another major airport in Moscow, according to Mash reports.
Russia’s Defense Ministry Says 50 Drones Destroyed Across Multiple Regions
Later in the day, Russia’s Defense Ministry shared more details about the incident. They reported that a total of 50 Ukrainian aircraft-type drones were intercepted and destroyed by air defense systems across the country.
Here’s a breakdown of the drone interceptions:
- 23 drones were shot down over Kursk region
- 11 drones over Rostov region
- 6 drones over Bryansk region
- 3 drones over Belgorod region
- 3 drones over the Moscow region, including the two aimed at the city itself
- 2 drones over occupied Crimea
- 1 drone each over Mordovia and the Kaluga region
This was one of the largest drone attacks reported in recent months.
At the same time, Ukraine experienced its own drone attacks. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, between 10:00 p.m. on June 25 and the morning of June 26, Russian forces launched 41 Shahed drones — drones made in Iran — along with several other UAVs to target Ukrainian regions.
The main areas attacked were in Donetsk and Kharkiv, which are close to the war’s frontlines. The Ukrainian Air Force said they successfully neutralized 24 drones, using both traditional firepower and advanced electronic warfare techniques. Specifically:
- 8 drones were destroyed with direct fire
- 16 drones were either electronically jammed or lost control and crashed
Despite these defensive measures, drone hits were recorded in seven different locations in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Strike Hits Major Russian Military Drone Facility
On June 25, just a day before the massive drone wave, Ukrainian forces reportedly carried out a precision drone strike inside Russia. According to Ukrainian officials, the strike targeted a major defense facility in Taganrog, a city in the Rostov region.
The attack reportedly damaged the Atlant-Aero plant, a critical part of Russia’s defense manufacturing. The plant is known for producing components for Orion combat drones, electronic warfare systems, and control technology for both FPV (First-Person View) drones and loitering munitions.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, emphasized the plant’s role in supporting Russia’s drone warfare capabilities.
Russian officials also confirmed damage in Taganrog. Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar said two residential buildings, a school, and a sports complex were affected by the strike.
In the nearby city of Azov, a grain storage facility and an industrial site were also reportedly hit. This adds to the growing list of infrastructure damaged in the ongoing conflict.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed they had intercepted 22 drones during the overnight wave of Ukrainian strikes, including those over Crimea and Rostov.
Drone Warfare Brings Conflict Closer to Moscow
The events of June 25 and 26 show how drone warfare is continuing to play a major role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. From attacks on Moscow to strikes deep inside Russian territory, both sides are using drones to target military and infrastructure sites.
For ordinary people in Moscow and other cities, the reality of war felt close once again as explosions echoed early in the morning sky. Airport operations were disrupted, and air defenses were tested — all signs of a conflict that is far from over.