Russia steps up drone attacks on Ukraine, according to UK intelligence
Illustrative photo: Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine with Shahed drones (Getty Images)
Russian forces are increasingly using attack drones against Ukraine. In September alone, the enemy launched more than 5,000 such drones, according to data from British intelligence.
According to UK intelligence, Russia launched around 5,500 attack drones on Ukraine in September — a sharp increase compared to August, when the number was roughly 4,100. The reduction in August was likely intended to create the illusion of readiness for "meaningful negotiations." As of mid-October 2025, Russia has already launched over 3,000 such drones.
The pace of strikes remains high. In September, Russia carried out four large-scale attacks involving strategic bombers. The largest occurred on September 7, when more than 800 targets, mostly drones, were launched.
Intelligence officials noted that the combination of missiles and drones is designed to "complicate Ukrainian air defense efforts" and increase the survival rate of Russian munitions. Throughout the month, Russia also launched more than 70 of its latest AS-23a KODIAK cruise missiles (NATO designation for Kh-101 and Kh-102 missiles).
Intelligence added that Ukraine's critical national infrastructure has almost certainly become a top priority target for Russia. Moscow continues to seek to damage Ukraine's energy system ahead of the winter season. In October 2025 alone, Russia has already carried out four large-scale attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure facilities.
Drone attack on October 21
Earlier today, October 21, Russian forces carried out a massive strike on Novhorod-Siverskyi in the Chernihiv region, launching around 20 attack drones.
As a result of the attack, three people were killed and ten civilians were injured, including a 10-year-old girl.
