At least 3 killed, numerous residential buildings hit in mass drone attack on Moscow region

Imagery released by Russian authorities that purports to show damage following a drone attack in the Moscow region overnight on May 17, 2026. (Andrey Vorobyov/Telegram) Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. A large-scale drone attack targeted the Moscow region overnight on May 16–17, killing at least three people and damaging residential buildings, according to Russian officials and local reports.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said air defenses had been repelling the attack since the evening of May 16, continuing into the early hours of May 17. local time, Russian authorities claimed that at least 73 drones had been shot down, with air defense systems still engaged in intercepting incoming targets. Videos circulating on social media after 3 a.m. appear to show flashes in the sky and fires in numerous locations. Reports mentioned explosions in Moscow Oblast's Khimki , Klin, and Zelenograd , activity near Sheremetyevo Airport , and blasts in central Moscow. Moscow Oblast Governor Andrey Vorobyov later confirmed that at least three people were killed in the attack, including two in the village of Pogorelki and one in Khimki. He added that several others were injured across multiple districts after drones struck residential buildings and houses. The Kyiv Independent cannot independently verify the claims made by Russian authorities or footage circulating online. Explosions were also reported throughout occupied Crimea earlier in the night. The attacks come days after Russia introduced new restrictions on reporting the aftermath of drone strikes, banning the publication of photos, videos, or details without official authorization. Violators face fines ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles ($38–$64) for individuals, up to 50,000 rubles ($640) for officials, and up to 200,000 rubles ($2,500) for legal entities.

Key points

• Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said air defenses had been repelling the attack since the evening of May 16, continuing into the early hours of May 17.
• local time, Russian authorities claimed that at least 73 drones had been shot down, with air defense systems still engaged in intercepting incoming targets.
• Videos circulating on social media after 3 a.m.
• appear to show flashes in the sky and fires in numerous locations.
• Reports mentioned explosions in Moscow Oblast's Khimki , Klin, and Zelenograd , activity near Sheremetyevo Airport , and blasts in central Moscow.