Ukrainian drone forces strike major power plants in occupied Donetsk Video/Updated

Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) have launched new strikes on energy infrastructure in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region, USF commander Robert Brovdi, known as “Madyar,” announced.

Brovdi said Ukrainian drones, referred to as the USF’s “Birds,” struck two key thermal power plants: the Zuevskaya TPP in the city of Zugres, a 1,200-MW facility that provides up to a third of the electricity consumed in the occupied part of the region; and the larger Starobesheva TPP in Novyi Svit, which has a capacity of about 2,300 MW and has been used by Russia to stabilise its power system, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

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A drone attack on a power substation in the occupied Donetsk region has led to widespread power outages across several cities, including Donetsk and Makiivka. 

The strike occurred overnight between November 17 and 18, 2025, beginning around 11:50 PM local time, and quickly triggered blackouts across the area, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Local Telegram channels reported that within 30 minutes of the attack, power disruptions were felt in Makiivka and various districts of Donetsk, while Ilovaisk was completely cut off from the power grid.

Reports soon emerged of additional drone strikes targeting the Zuyivska thermal power plant (TPP) in Zuhres, where videos on social media showed a fire breaking out at the facility. Some sources claim that the attack disabled the transformer of the second boiler at the plant, further exacerbating the power shortages.

By Sabina Mammadli