Ukraine 1,300-Drone Attack on Moscow: Largest of the War — What Tuesday's Market Open Means for Your Portfolio

# Ukraine 1,300-Drone Attack on Moscow: Largest of the War — What Tuesday's Market Open Means for Your Portfolio

> **Quick answer:** Ukraine launched roughly 1,300 drones at Moscow and surrounding Russian regions overnight May 25-26, 2026 — the single largest drone assault of the entire war. It came 24 hours after Russia's Oreshnik nuclear-capable missile struck Kyiv. US markets reopen Tuesday after Memorial Day. Defense stocks (LMT, RTX, NOC), gold, crude oil, and European equities are the key instruments to watch at the open.

Ukraine launched its largest drone offensive of the war overnight, targeting Moscow and surrounding infrastructure with approximately 1,300 drones in direct response to Russia's escalating missile campaign against Kyiv. The attack sets the tone for Tuesday's US market open — the first trading session after the Memorial Day holiday and a market that has been closed while this escalation unfolded.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personal financial decisions.*

## What Happened: The Escalation Loop in 48 Hours

On the night of May 24-25, Russia launched one of the most destructive attacks on Kyiv of the entire war. The Kremlin deployed 90 missiles and 600 drones in coordinated waves between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported damage "in every district of the city" — approximately 30 residential buildings damaged or destroyed, cultural institutions including the Chornobyl Museum (40% of its collection destroyed) and the Kyiv Opera Theater struck, and the Foreign Ministry building sustaining damage for the first time since World War II. Four people were killed nationally; nearly 100 were injured.