Russian drone barrage disrupts power and transport across Ukraine

At 9 p.m. on September 26, Russia carried out a massive drone strike against Ukraine, launching 115 Shahed, Gerber, and other types of attack drones.

The drones were deployed from multiple directions, including Kursk, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as Chauda in occupied Crimea, Ukrainian media reported.

More than 70 of the drones were Shaheds.

In response, the Ukrainian Defence Forces mobilised aviation units, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare systems, and mobile fire groups to repel the attack, with unmanned systems also actively engaged in defence.

Preliminary data as of 9 a.m. on September 27 indicated that Ukrainian air defence forces successfully destroyed or suppressed 97 enemy drones across the north, south, east, and central regions of the country.

Despite the high effectiveness of air defences, 17 drone strikes were recorded at six locations, and debris from downed drones fell in two additional areas.

During the night of September 27, Russian forces again targeted the Vinnytsia region, hitting critical infrastructure. Zaporizhzhia was also struck, leaving thousands without electricity and destroying a grocery store belonging to the ATB chain.

In addition, railway infrastructure in the Odesa region came under attack by Russian drones, causing damage.

According to Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways), there were no casualties among railway workers or passengers. Trains were temporarily stopped at a safe distance from the strike sites. Train traffic has since been restored, although delays remain.

By Tamilla Hasanova