Russian Forces Launch Massive Drone Attack Overnight, Ukraine Reveals Winter Strike Plans
Russian forces launched nearly 300 drones against Ukraine, while Kyiv announced it has obtained detailed plans for Russia's winter energy infrastructure attacks.
The day on the war
Russian forces initiated a large-scale drone attack against Ukraine since the evening of September 24, launching 295 attack drones of various types. Ukrainian air defenses reported destroying 267 of these drones, though strikes were recorded at 16 locations across the country, with the assault continuing into the morning of September 25. The drones were reportedly launched from Russian cities including Oryol, Kursk, and Millerovo, as well as occupied Donetsk and Hvardiiske.
Separately, Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Ukrainian intelligence services have obtained detailed Russian plans for this winter's strikes. These documents reportedly outline planned attacks on electricity generation, heating, water supply, and other critical energy infrastructure, even including calculations for weapon types and quantities. In response, Ukraine has constructed over 200 protective structures around key infrastructure sites and is building equipment reserves for rapid repairs. Finnish President Alexander Stubb also urged SpaceX owner Elon Musk to expand Starlink coverage over Russian territory, believing it could help Ukraine target Russian ballistic missile launchers.
Along the front
General
Development: Neither Russian nor Ukrainian forces made confirmed territorial advances on September 24.
Source: ISW
Strikes & the grid
Across Ukraine
What: Russian forces launched 295 attack drones (Shahed, Gerbera, Banderoль/Dan-T, Parodiya decoy UAVs) since the evening of September 24, with 267 reportedly destroyed by Ukrainian air defenses. Strikes were recorded at 16 locations.
Toll: 267 drones destroyed, strikes recorded at 16 locations. Attack ongoing as of morning September 25.
Rostov Oblast, Krasnodar Krai (Russia)
What: Ukrainian forces conducted long-range strikes against Russian oil facilities.
Toll: Ukrainian forces continue to inflict losses on Russian military assets.
Diplomacy & talks
UN Security Council. UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo warned the Security Council that the war is entering a 'dangerous new phase' with intensifying attacks, rising civilian casualties, and growing risk of regional spillover, urging renewed diplomatic efforts.
UN General Assembly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been advocating for ceasefires covering attacks on energy infrastructure and Black Sea vessels during the UN gathering in New York.
Aid & sanctions
European Union
Measure: Upcoming sanctions package
Detail: The EU is preparing its largest-ever sanctions package, proposing to add 827 entities and 744 individuals involved in Russia's defense-industrial complex.
What we'll be watching next 72h
- EU ambassadors are scheduled to meet on October 7 to adopt the proposed sanctions package against Russia.
- EU foreign ministers are set to formally vote on the new sanctions package on October 12.
- Ukraine is preparing for a challenging winter, anticipating intensified Russian attacks on its energy and civilian infrastructure.
- Discussions continue regarding Finnish President Stubb's appeal to Elon Musk for expanded Starlink coverage over Russia to aid Ukrainian targeting of missile launchers.
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.