Widespread Drone Strikes Reported Across Russia
On September 23, 2025, Ukraine launched a series of widespread drone attacks targeting key infrastructure deep within Russian territory, including the capital Moscow and vital oil facilities in the Bryansk and Samara oblasts. The Ukrainian military confirmed these strikes, stating their intent to systematically target Russian oil production sites to diminish Moscow's export revenues and frontline supplies. Russian authorities reported neutralizing numerous drones and acknowledged impacts on infrastructure.
Critical Oil Infrastructure Targeted
In the Bryansk Oblast, Ukrainian forces struck the 8-N linear production dispatching station near the village of Naitopovichi. This facility is a crucial component of the main oil pipeline system 8-N — Stalnoy Kon (Steel Horse), deemed strategically important for supplying fuel to the Russian military. Simultaneously, in the Samara Oblast, the Samara dispatching station was targeted. This facility plays a significant role in blending Russian oil for its flagship Urals oil grade for export, and it serves as a pumping station for Russia's oil pipeline network, supplying the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk and the Druzhba pipeline to Germany. While the full extent of the damage is still being determined, reports indicated that oil supplies from the Samara pumping station continued, albeit at a reduced pace.
Moscow Experiences Airspace Disruptions
The Russian capital, Moscow, also faced significant drone activity. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that at least 44 Ukrainian drones were destroyed on approach to the city between Monday night and Tuesday morning. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its air defense systems shot down a total of 81 Ukrainian drones over eight regions, including Moscow, and an additional 69 drones in the early hours of Tuesday. These attacks led to temporary suspensions of operations at Moscow's airports, including Sheremetyevo, causing flight delays and cancellations. No casualties or major damage were reported in Moscow, though emergency services responded to sites where debris fell.
Strategic Objectives and Responses
Ukraine's General Staff articulated that these long-range drone attacks are part of a renewed campaign aimed at systematically targeting Russian oil production sites to reduce Moscow's export revenues and its capacity to fund military operations. Russia's oil pipeline monopoly, Transneft, had previously issued warnings to producers about potential output cuts due to increased Ukrainian drone attacks on critical export ports and refineries. Russian authorities consistently reported the neutralization of incoming drones by their air defense systems across the affected regions.
5 Comments
Noir Black
Excellent strategy. Target their economy, not just the front lines.
KittyKat
Targeting vital economic infrastructure is a legitimate wartime tactic, but the potential for miscalculation or accidental civilian harm in such widespread operations is a serious concern for regional stability.
Loubianka
The article downplays Russia's air defense success. Most drones were shot down.
Michelangelo
This shows Ukraine's growing capabilities and resolve.
Fuerza
These attacks certainly show Ukraine's growing long-range capabilities, though the lack of reported major damage or casualties in Moscow indicates Russia's defenses are still largely effective.