Kyiv Pounds Moscow Using UK-Made Drones in Major Attack

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 17, 2026

Ukraine conducted a massive drone strike using over 600 drones, including British-made models, targeting Russian infrastructure near Moscow and other regions, resulting in at least seven Russian fatalities and significant damage to key supply networks like Wildberries' warehouse. This attack, marking a notable expansion of Kyiv’s long-range capabilities, prompted Russian retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities and raised regional security concerns after a drone crossed into NATO airspace.

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russian territory on Saturday night, deploying more than 600 drones targeting sites around Moscow and other regions, marking one of Kyiv’s most significant strikes this summer. The assault resulted in at least seven fatalities in Russia and caused substantial damage to key infrastructure.

Among the primary targets was a warehouse operated by Wildberries, Russia’s largest e-commerce retailer, located in Podolsk near Moscow. The facility, spanning approximately 2.7 million square feet and situated about 28 miles south of the capital, was engulfed in flames following drone strikes. Ukrainian officials have accused Wildberries of supplying components used in drones and other dual-use military equipment, which has made the company a recurring target in Kyiv’s campaign against Russian logistics and supply chains. This strike is reported to have disrupted Moscow’s supply networks and raised concerns over Wildberries’ financial stability, with Russian authorities reportedly offering compensation to affected sellers and urging lenders to ease debt conditions.

Russian officials reported casualties beyond Moscow, including deaths in Belgorod and the Rostov region bordering Ukraine, with varying death toll figures: one person in Moscow’s suburbs, one on a bus in Belgorod, and five in Rostov. Russian authorities said they shot down hundreds of drones—between 822 and 828 were claimed destroyed—during the attack, though Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin and regional governors acknowledged the damage and casualties. Russian statements tended to attribute some damage to debris from intercepted drones, reflecting a cautious official stance on the strikes’ impact.

Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made drones in the operation, marking their first confirmed deployment inside Russian territory. Among the drones flown was the Nyan, a jet-powered model produced by Callen-Lenz, a subsidiary of BAE Systems. The use of these advanced UK drones highlights a shift in Kyiv’s deep-strike capabilities, enabling attacks far beyond frontline areas.

In retaliation, Russia launched missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, striking Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, and several other cities. These strikes killed at least seven Ukrainians and injured dozens more, including a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih that resulted in two deaths and 14 injuries. Ukrainian air force units reported shooting down the majority of incoming Russian drones and some cruise missiles but were unable to intercept all ballistic missiles targeting industrial sites. Russian officials said their attacks hit defense production facilities, oil refineries, and metallurgical plants within Ukraine and claimed to have struck a bulk carrier in the port of Odesa, accusing it of transporting military supplies.

Meanwhile, the drone activity extended beyond Ukraine and Russia, with NATO forces scrambling interceptors after a drone crossed into Romanian airspace near the Black Sea. Spanish fighter jets engaged and downed the unmanned aircraft, highlighting concerns over spillover effects in the region.

The sustained drone offensives reflect an intensification of remote warfare technology on both sides amid the ongoing conflict, posing strategic and economic challenges as critical infrastructure continues to be targeted deep inside enemy territory.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.