Indian worker killed in Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow; Zelenskyy calls attack 'justified'
An Indian national has died and three others were injured in a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on the Moscow region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the strikes were "entirely justified" as retaliation for Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. Russian authorities reported intercepting hundreds of drones, while acknowledging civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
Key Highlights
- Indian worker killed in massive Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow.
- Three other Indian nationals sustained injuries in the attack.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy deemed the strikes "justified" retaliation.
- Russia reported downing hundreds of drones, with some casualties and damage.
- The attack was one of the largest Ukrainian drone offensives on Russia.
- The Indian Embassy confirmed the casualties and is providing assistance.
An Indian worker was killed and three others were injured during a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's Moscow region on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The Embassy of India in Russia confirmed the casualties, stating that its officials visited the site and met with the injured workers in the hospital. The embassy also expressed its condolences and is coordinating with local authorities and the employer to provide necessary assistance.
This significant drone offensive, described as one of the largest Ukrainian attacks on Russia in recent months, involved hundreds of drones. Russian authorities reported intercepting over 1,000 Ukrainian drones across the country within a 24-hour period, with Moscow's air defense systems alone shooting down at least 81 drones targeting the capital. The strikes resulted in civilian casualties, with at least four people reported dead in total. Three deaths occurred in the Moscow region, including a woman in Khimki and two men in Pogorelki, where drone debris hit homes. Another person was killed in the Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine, when a drone struck a lorry. In addition to the fatalities, at least a dozen people were wounded in Moscow, many near the entrance of an oil refinery, although the refinery's technology reportedly remained undamaged. Drone debris also fell on the grounds of Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, Russia's busiest air hub, but no damage or injuries were reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the drone strikes as a "completely justified" response to Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities. He stated that these long-range strikes aimed to send a clear message to Russia to end its war. This escalation follows a massive Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv just days prior, which resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people.
Russia, in turn, condemned the attacks, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova describing them as a "mass terrorist attack." The conflict has seen an intensification of cross-border drone warfare, with both Russia and Ukraine engaging in long-range aerial strikes. The Indian government has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, maintaining a neutral stance in the conflict while also providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
The exact identities of the Indian victims have not yet been publicly released. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by foreign nationals, including Indian workers, caught in the crossfire of the Russia-Ukraine war. In January 2025, it was reported that at least 12 Indians had died while serving in the Russian armed forces, with some others missing. The Ministry of External Affairs had previously informed the Supreme Court that 10 Indians had perished on the battlefield in Russia, with some having joined voluntarily and others being compelled into service.
The widespread nature of the drone attacks, affecting numerous Russian regions, underscores Ukraine's increasing capability to conduct long-range strikes and penetrate Russian air defenses. The scale of the assault has put further pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin amidst rising public frustration over the protracted war.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian nationals were killed or injured in the drone attack?
One Indian worker was killed, and three others were injured in the drone attack on the Moscow region.
What was President Zelenskyy's response to the drone attacks?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the drone strikes were "entirely justified" as retaliation for Russia's prolonged war and attacks on Ukrainian cities.
What was the scale of the drone attack on Russia?
The attack was described as one of the largest Ukrainian drone offensives on Russia, with Russian authorities reporting the interception of over 1,000 drones within a 24-hour period.
What was the Indian government's reaction to the incident?
The Embassy of India in Russia confirmed the casualties, visited the injured, and expressed condolences while coordinating assistance with local authorities and the employer.
Were there civilian casualties in Russia?
Yes, Russian authorities reported at least four civilian deaths in total, with three in the Moscow region and one in the Belgorod region. Several others were injured.