Moscow Suburbs Hit, Zelensky Calls It Retaliation

2026-05-17

Major Attack by Ukrainian Forces

From the 16th to the 17th, Ukrainian forces carried out a major attack near Russia's capital, Moscow. President Zelensky described it as retaliation for Russian attacks on Kyiv. With little prospect of progress in peace talks, the exchange of strikes targeting both capitals is intensifying.

The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down more than 1,000 drones launched by Ukrainian forces in the 24 hours through midday on the 17th. According to Russia, at least four people were killed in Moscow Oblast and the western Belgorod Oblast. It is the largest drone attack by Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022.

The Exchange of Strikes Expands

According to Ukrainian forces, damage was inflicted on a high-performance weapons production plant and energy-related facilities in the Moscow suburbs.

Zelensky claimed the large-scale attack was "completely justified," and after boasting about the results, said, "Russia must stop the war."

After the temporary ceasefire from the 9th to the 11th, mediated by U.S. President Trump, ended without success, the tit-for-tat attacks between the two countries became even more active. Russian forces carried out a major attack on Kyiv on the 13th and 14th, killing 24 people, including three children.

To break through Kyiv's air defenses, Russia has continued "saturation attacks," firing large numbers of missiles and drones simultaneously from multiple directions. On the 17th, Zelensky revealed that Russian forces had launched 3,170 drones over the past week, killing a total of 52 people across Ukraine.

Long-Range Strikes Target Warfighting Capacity

Zelensky had previously made clear that he would "retaliate" against a series of Russian attacks. Looking toward a prolonged war, Ukraine is pursuing a strategy to weaken Russia's ability to keep fighting. It has been hitting infrastructure such as refineries and export ports with long-range drones day after day, dealing a blow to energy exports.

On the 17th, Zelensky said Ukraine's long-range strike capability was "significantly changing the battlefield."

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