Zelenskyy pledges to ‘bring war back to Russia’ after drones swarm toward Moscow – Europe live
TL;DR
Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow, leading to the interception of nearly 60 drones and temporary airport suspensions. In retaliation, a Russian drone strike in Ukraine resulted in the deaths of three family members, including a child.
Key points
- Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow
- Nearly 60 drones intercepted
- Temporary suspension of Moscow's airports
- Russia downed over 300 drones
- Russian drone strike killed three in Ukraine
Mentioned in this story
Nearly 60 Ukrainian drones were intercepted heading for Moscow last night, forcing the capital’s airports to briefly suspend its operations during the attack.
In total, Russia reportedly downed just over 300 drones across the country.
Meanwhile, a Russian drone attack killed three members of one family, including a 13-year-old boy, in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region, regional prosecutors said, as quoted by Reuters.
A firefighter works at the site of a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the Sumy region. Photograph: State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Reuters
Last night, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview that “our defence industry, our defence forces … have begun the process of bringing the war back to Russia.”
“The Russians are attacking us every day – and we will strike back every day. Our response will grow stronger with each passing day.”
It is the latest sign of the momentum shifting in the Russian aggression of Ukraine, as discussed by the G7 and EU leaders last week.
Elsewhere, I will be obviously keeping an eye on the UK where prime minister Keir Starmer could announce plans for his exit from the post today, on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum in 2016.
Our main UK coverage, led by Andrew Sparrow, is here:
But I will be also looking at yet another day of extreme temperatures across Europe, two high-profile diplomatic spats between Trump and Italy’s Meloni and Zelenskyy and Poland’s Nawrocki, and other news lines from across the continent.
It’s Monday, 22 June 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
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Q&A
What happened during the drone attack on Moscow?
Nearly 60 Ukrainian drones were intercepted while heading for Moscow, causing temporary airport suspensions.
How many drones has Russia reportedly downed recently?
Russia reportedly downed just over 300 drones across the country.
What were the consequences of the Russian drone strike in Ukraine?
A Russian drone strike in Ukraine's Sumy region killed three members of a family, including a 13-year-old boy.
