Ukrainian Drone Attacks Target Russian Infrastructure

A Ukrainian drone attack in the Moscow region of Russia caused damage to buildings, as depicted in photos shared by Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyev. The attack occurred on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Russian officials reported that eight people were killed and over 60 injured due to Ukrainian drones targeting energy infrastructure and military locations. This operation aims to affect Russia’s war efforts and impose impacts from the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year.

Locations and Damage

Drone strikes hit Russia’s major online retailer, Wildberries, at two warehouse locations. One strike occurred in Kotovsk, Tambov region, 360 kilometers from Ukraine, while another impacted Elektrostal, 50 kilometers east of Moscow. These strikes resulted in fires, but Wildberries founder Tatyana Kim stated the Kotovsk fire was extinguished.

Footage revealed smoke from the fire at the Elektrostal site. Another strike hit an oil depot in Noginsk, near Elektrostal, leading to evacuations at a maternity hospital and nearby residential area.

Official Statements

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed long-range strikes targeted logistical facilities in Moscow and Tambov, utilized by Russia for drone component and navigation equipment production. He also mentioned an oil facility strike.

Casualty Reports

A warehouse in Kotovsk saw the highest casualties, with seven night shift workers killed and 25 injured, according to Tambov governor Yevgeny Pervyshov. In the Moscow region, Vorobyov reported 37 wounded, with one later dying in the hospital.

In Elektrostal, drone debris ignited a fire at a kindergarten, later extinguished, Vorobyov confirmed. Meanwhile, in Vladimir, 180 kilometers east of Moscow, a drone sparked a fire in a residential building, which was brief and resulted in no casualties, as per governor Alexander Avdeyev.

Defense Measures

Ukrainian special operations also hit targets in the Sea of Azov and occupied regions, as Zelenskyy noted. The Russian Defense Ministry reported its air defenses intercepted 379 Ukrainian drones across 19 regions, including Crimea, the Sea of Azov, and the Black Sea.