Fatal drone attacks reported across Russian regions

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, Russian authorities reported a large-scale drone attack targeting Moscow and other regions. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that 81 drones were intercepted while heading toward the capital, marking the largest such assault in over a year. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that 556 drones were downed across the country overnight. Local officials confirmed four deaths, including one woman in Khimki and two men in the Mytishchi district of the Moscow region, as well as one fatality in the Belgorod region. Additionally, 12 people were reported injured, mostly near a Moscow oil refinery, though officials stated that the refinery’s core technology remained undamaged. Debris was also reported at Sheremetyevo Airport, though no damage was cited. Residential buildings and infrastructure facilities sustained damage during the operation.