What's happened
Ukraine has intensified long‑range strikes into Russia, hitting the Moscow region and its capital area as Kyiv presses a campaign to disrupt logistics and infrastructure. The targeting reflects a shift in the war, with Ukrainian forces expanding depth behind the front lines while Russia responds with renewed missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.
What's behind the headline?
Key dynamics
- Ukraine’s use of long‑range drones and missiles is expanding the battlefield, with strikes reported up to 1,000 miles from the front.
- Moscow has experienced direct strikes on suburbs and high‑rise areas, complicating the sense of safety around the capital region.
Implications for civilians and posture
- Civilian infrastructure remains a primary target, heightening risk to residents in western Russia and eastern Ukraine alike.
- The pace of Russian advances in eastern Ukraine appears to be slowing, while Ukrainian logistics and rear‑area targets are being hit with increasing frequency.
What’s next
- Expect continued Ukrainian strikes at depth, targeting logistics hubs and air defenses, as Kyiv seeks to degrade Russia’s ability to sustain operations.
- Russia will likely respond with renewed air strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and potential further ground offensives in disputed sectors.
How we got here
The conflict has evolved as Ukraine has developed long‑range weapons to hit targets well inside Russia, while Russia continues to mount strikes against Ukrainian civilian and military sites. Recent attacks have brought the war closer to Moscow, signaling a broader intensity and a shift in the front lines since the start of the year.
Our analysis
New York Times, May 23, 2026: Valerie Hopkins reports on Khimki attacks and the broader use of long‑range strikes by Ukraine. Al Jazeera, May 19–20, 2026: Inside Story and contributors discuss the ongoing depth of Ukrainian strikes and the war’s trajectory, with ISW estimates referenced. Al Jazeera, May 15–14, 2026: Coverage of ceasefire talks, and the scale of drone and missile exchanges across Ukraine and Russia.
Go deeper
- How close is Moscow to being targeted in daily operations?
- What new long‑range capabilities is Ukraine deploying?
- Could this shift alter Western support trajectories for Kyiv?
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Ukraine - Country in Europe
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.