Ukrainian Drone Strike Ignites Major Fire at Moscow-Area Power Station, Disrupts Heating for Thousands

A Ukrainian drone attack has set a major Russian power station ablaze. The strike on the Shatura Power Station occurred on Sunday. It caused significant damage and left thousands without heat. This marks one of Kyiv’s deepest and most impactful attacks on Russian energy infrastructure to date.According to Reuters, the attack triggered a massive fire. Video footage showed flames and black smoke engulfing the facility. The station provides heat and power to the Moscow region. Governor Andrei Vorobyov confirmed the incident and the subsequent fire.

Details of the Shatura Power Station Attack

Ukrainian drones targeted the Shatura Power Station early Sunday. The facility is located about 120 km east of Moscow. Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyov stated that air-defense forces destroyed some drones. He confirmed several others struck the station itself.The attack caused three transformers to catch fire. This led to a major blaze at one of Russia’s oldest power plants. The station was founded under Vladimir Lenin and originally ran on peat. It now primarily uses natural gas for its operations.Emergency services worked to contain the fire. Backup power systems were activated for the area. Mobile heating systems were also deployed to assist residents. The outdoor temperature was around freezing at the time.

Broader Impact of the Energy Infrastructure Strike

This attack represents a significant escalation in Ukrainian strategy. For years, Russia has targeted Ukraine’s power grid. Kyiv has mostly focused on striking Russia’s oil refineries and pipelines. Hitting a major power station near Moscow signals a new phase.The strike disrupted heat for the town of Shatura. The area has a population of approximately 33,000 people. Officials assured that all efforts were being made to restore heat supply promptly. The long-term damage to the station remains unclear.Russia’s defense ministry reported downing 75 Ukrainian drones that day. This included several over the Moscow region. The attack also caused temporary flight disruptions at Vnukovo airport. Flights resumed after about an hour’s halt.

Geneva Talks Stall as US Peace Plan Demands Major Ukrainian Concessions

The successful drone strike on the Shatura Power Station demonstrates Ukraine’s growing capability to hit critical infrastructure deep inside Russia. This strategic shift aims to impose tangible costs on the Russian home front, potentially altering the dynamics of the ongoing conflict as winter sets in.

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What is the Shatura Power Station?

The Shatura Power Station is one of Russia’s oldest power plants. It is located about 120 km east of Moscow. The facility provides heat and electricity to the surrounding region.

How many people lost heating?

The attack disrupted heating for the town of Shatura. This town has a population of about 33,000 people. Local authorities deployed mobile heating systems as a temporary solution.

What has been Russia’s response?

Russia’s defense ministry said it downed 75 Ukrainian drones. This included several over the Moscow region. The attack also caused a temporary halt to flights at Vnukovo airport.

Why is this attack significant?

This is one of Ukraine’s most significant attacks on a power station deep inside Russia. It represents an escalation in targeting Russian energy infrastructure. The strike aims to undermine Russia’s war efforts and domestic stability.

Has Ukraine commented on the attack?

There was no immediate official comment from Ukrainian authorities. Ukraine typically does not claim responsibility for specific attacks inside Russia. The strategy is part of a broader effort to target Russian military logistics and support systems.