Russia launched a barrage of 60 drones against Ukraine on the night of September 9-10, 2025, striking energy infrastructure as Ukrainian repair crews worked to restore facilities damaged in previous attacks. The overnight attack demonstrated Russia’s strategy of disrupting infrastructure repair efforts by repeatedly targeting the same facilities. Ukrainian air defenses engaged the incoming drones, destroying most before they reached their targets.
The attack came as Ukraine has been racing to repair energy infrastructure before winter arrives, with power cuts affecting millions of civilians across the country. Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been systematically targeted by Russian strikes throughout 2025, creating an ongoing cycle of damage, repair, and renewed attack. The September 10 attack was the latest in this destructive pattern.
We were working to restore power when the air raid warning sounded again. This cycle never ends, but we keep repairing because people need electricity.
Winter Preparations
Ukraine has been preparing for winter with emergency repairs to energy infrastructure, but the ongoing Russian strike campaign has made sustained progress difficult. Hospitals, water pumping stations, and residential buildings have all been affected by power cuts caused by Russian strikes. International aid organizations have provided generators and electrical equipment, though the scale of damage exceeds available resources.
Drone Production
Russia has demonstrated the ability to produce and deploy drones at scale, maintaining high attack frequency throughout 2025. Iranian-designed Shahed drones have been manufactured in significant numbers inside Russia, reducing dependence on external supply. Ukraine has called for enhanced air defense systems and expanded no-fly zone capabilities to counter the persistent drone threat.