Ukrainian Drones Strike Arzamas Power Substation in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod Region

Drone Attack on Key Energy Infrastructure

The Arzamas power substation in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region was targeted by Ukrainian drones during the night of October 13-14, 2025. The attack resulted in damage to the facility and a temporary disruption of electricity supply to several southern districts of the region. Satellite data from NASA FIRMS reportedly detected a fire near the substation following the strike.

Impact and Substation Significance

The targeted substation, located in the village of Lesogorsk, Shatkovsky district, is a critical component of the region's energy network. Identified as a 500 kV Arzamas substation with an installed capacity of 1502 MVA, it serves as a vital energy hub. It provides electricity to over 200,000 residents, as well as essential industrial and military infrastructure, including Gazprom gas compressor stations and Russian Railways traction substations. The facility is situated more than 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Official Statements and Claims

Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Governor Gleb Nikitin confirmed the incident, stating that 'a UAV attack was repelled in the Nizhny Novgorod region.' He added that 'as a result of falling debris, one of the energy facilities was damaged, which led to a short-term power outage.' Governor Nikitin also reported that the power supply had been restored and specialists were working at the scene, claiming there were 'allegedly no victims' from the drone attack. Russian media outlet Astra also reported on the event, citing the governor's statements. Ukrainian sources, including the Militarnyi news outlet and the Supernova+ Telegram channel, indicated that the Arzamasskaya-500 substation was attacked, with some reports suggesting that two transformers were destroyed by five drones that hit the target.

Broader Context of Strikes

This incident is part of an ongoing series of Ukrainian deep-strike operations targeting Russian energy infrastructure. Kyiv's strategic campaign aims to degrade Russia's military logistics and export revenues by striking facilities both within Russia and in occupied territories. Such attacks have increasingly focused on critical energy nodes, including oil refineries and substations, to disrupt the resources fueling Russia's military efforts.