4 Killed In Russia After Ukraine's Biggest Drone Barrage In Over A Year; Zelenskyy Backs Strike

Last Updated:May 17, 2026, 17:01 IST

Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow in over a year, killing at least four people. Russia condemns strike as "mass terrorism."

Ukraine carried out what Russian officials described as the largest overnight drone assault on Moscow in more than a year, killing at least four people. Three deaths were reported in the Moscow region, while another person was killed in Russia’s Belgorod region near the Ukrainian border, authorities said on Sunday.

Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that more than 1,000 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted across the country within 24 hours. The attack came days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed retaliation following one of Russia’s most intense missile and drone strikes on Kyiv over two days since the war began over four years ago.

Confirming the operation, Zelenskiy shared footage on X showing drones in flight, thick smoke rising into the air and emergency crews battling fires.

“Our responses to Russia’s prolongation of the war and its attacks on our cities and communities are entirely justified," Zelenskiy said.

He said Ukrainian forces had managed to hit targets located over 500 kilometres from the border despite Russia’s extensive air defence systems around Moscow.

“This time, Ukrainian long-range sanctions reached the Moscow region, and we are clearly telling the Russians: their state must end its war," he said.

Russia Condemns Attack

In response, Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strike, accusing Kyiv of attacking civilians.

“To the sound of Eurovision songs, the Kyiv regime, financed by the EU, carried out yet another mass terrorist attack," TASS news agency quoted Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defence systems destroyed 81 drones approaching the capital overnight. Further, 12 other people were injured, several homes and residential towers were damaged, and debris fell near Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport, though no serious airport damage was reported.

News world 4 Killed In Russia After Ukraine's Biggest Drone Barrage In Over A Year; Zelenskyy Backs Strike

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