Moscow rocked by mystery explosion as 'phantom blast' sparks panic in Russia

A terrifying boom has been heard far and wide across Moscow with reports suggesting Ukraine has struck an almighty blow on the Russian capital.

Media outlet NOELReports has posted on X: "Just in: A loud blast echoed across several districts of Moscow, prompting speculation about a possible arsenal fire or drone attack. Russian monitoring channels later said the sound was likely a sonic boom from a military aircraft flying at supersonic speed. #Russia"

Powerful explosion rocks Moscow, citizens report shaking buildings pic.twitter.com/n8QAmWjOWL

— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) August 7, 2026

Residents across the Russian capital reported hearing the loud noise at around 11am local time, with witnesses saying it was audible in several districts across the city.

According to Russian media, the sound was heard in the south-western Troparevo-Nikulino area, the south-eastern Lyubertsy district and the north-western district of Zelenograd.

Other residents reported hearing the blast in Konkovo, Solntsevo, Vernadsky Prospekt and Kommunarka, with some people in Konkovo claiming they even felt a shockwave.

The sound was also reportedly heard closer to the city centre, including near Kurskaya and Taganskaya.

The cause of the blast remains unclear. Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said it was aware of the reports but had no immediate explanation for what had happened.

Speaking to Russian outlet Podyom, a spokesperson said: "We are aware of this situation, but there are no signs of smoke or fire - nothing. We also heard something, but where and what is unclear."

Early speculation on social media suggested the noise may have been linked to a fire at a military arsenal or a possible drone strike.

OSINT Radar wrote on X: "Moscow was shaken by a powerful explosion that was heard across all districts of the city.

"Russian sources are already reporting that a fire broke out at an arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate, and that the facility was allegedly targeted in a strike."

However, there has been no official confirmation that an attack took place.

Russian Telegram channel Baza later reported that preliminary information suggested the sound was instead caused by a military aircraft breaking the sound barrier while flying at supersonic speed over the region.

Russian business outlet RBC also reported that a source close to the emergency services had given the same explanation.