Key facts
- Russia used a jet-powered drone with a specialized warhead to destroy high-voltage power pylons for the first time.
- The drone's warhead is designed to cut steel structures and consists of a 40-kilogram main charge and four additional destructive modules.
- The attack occurred as Russia renewed its large-scale campaign against Ukraine's energy system ahead of winter.
- Overnight attacks involved nearly 190 drones and ballistic missiles, targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv and other regions.
- Emergency power outages were implemented in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Chernihiv, and Zhytomyr oblasts.
Russia has employed a new type of jet-powered drone equipped with a specialized warhead designed to destroy high-voltage power pylons and steel bridge structures for the first time, according to Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov. The development was reported on September 30, coinciding with a significant escalation in Russia's campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of the winter.
Beskrestnov stated that the warhead, developed specifically for cutting steel structures, includes a 40-kilogram main charge and four additional destructive modules. He suggested that Russia plans to target important high-voltage power transmission lines.
This attack followed a large-scale Russian assault overnight involving approximately 190 attack drones and ballistic missiles, primarily targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, as well as critical infrastructure in other regions. Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi characterized the attack as the most massive and combined since the end of the previous heating season.
Following the strikes, emergency power outages were implemented in the capital and surrounding region, as well as in Chernihiv and Zhytomyr oblasts. Earlier in the day, the Energy Ministry reported that some consumers in Kyiv and five other oblasts had lost electricity, though nationwide restrictions were not initially anticipated.
Ukraine's electricity system has been under strain due to increased demand during hot weather and previous Russian attacks. Last winter, similar strikes severely damaged power and heating infrastructure, causing prolonged outages. Officials have warned that the upcoming winter could be more severe, with Ukraine still seeking funding for its 5.4 billion euro energy resilience plan. The renewed attacks coincide with the season's first cold spell, with temperatures expected to drop significantly in early October.