In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, dozens of Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow and several other Russian cities between the evening of September 22 and the afternoon of September 23, 2025, prompting widespread flight disruptions and a stern response from NATO. The attacks, which Russian authorities described as among the largest in recent memory, unfolded as diplomatic efforts to end the war remained deadlocked and both sides pressed for advantage on and off the battlefield.
According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, at least 46 Ukrainian drones were shot down while heading toward the Russian capital during this period. The first wave was intercepted at approximately 7:30 p.m. Moscow time on September 22, with drone interceptions continuing through the following day. While no casualties were reported in Moscow, emergency services responded to multiple incidents of falling debris across the region. Social media users recounted hearing several explosions overnight, though, curiously, air-raid sirens were never triggered, as reported by ABC News and corroborated by local Russian sources.
The Russian Defense Ministry, in its own account, stated that its forces downed at least 127 Ukrainian drones from midnight on September 23 through the afternoon, with a total of 236 drones intercepted the previous day—the largest daily tally since September 12. The ministry also claimed its air-defense systems neutralized 69 Ukrainian drones over ten Russian regions, underscoring the scale and reach of the Ukrainian assault.
But Moscow was not the only target. Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Counter-Disinformation Center, suggested on Telegram that Ukrainian drones also struck the city of Yelabuga in the Republic of Tatarstan, some 565 miles east of Moscow. Yelabuga is home to the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, which houses a major Russian long-range strike drone manufacturing facility—a symbolic and strategic target for Kyiv.
The drone barrage caused significant disruption to Russian air travel. Rosaviatsiya, the federal air transport agency, reported temporary restrictions at Moscow’s four main airports—Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky—as well as airports in Yaroslavl, Saratov, Samara, Begishevo, Kazan, and Gelendzhik. Passengers faced delays and uncertainty as authorities scrambled to ensure safety amid the ongoing threat.
Ukraine’s own airspace was far from quiet. On September 23, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces had launched a large-scale attack using three Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 115 drones—about 60 of which were Shahed types. By 9 a.m., Ukrainian air defenses had destroyed or suppressed 103 enemy drones across the country’s northern, southern, and eastern regions, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The scale of the overnight assault was evident in the damage left behind. Strikes were recorded in six locations, with 12 drones hitting targets and falling debris reported in eight additional areas. In Odesa, a missile strike killed a 60-year-old woman and injured at least three others, damaging a hotel, post office, cultural center, and holiday resort. Around 800 residents lost electricity as a result. Governor Oleh Kiper assured residents that repair works were under way.
Zaporizhzhia was also hit hard. Russian bombs struck residential and industrial areas, killing one man whose body was later pulled from the rubble by rescuers, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. In the Kirovohrad region, a drone strike sparked a fire at an infrastructure facility; no casualties were reported, and emergency services managed to contain the blaze, according to Governor Andriy Raykovych.
Ukraine, for its part, struck back. On September 23, Ukrainian forces targeted two dispatcher stations of oil transportation complexes in Russia and an airfield in Crimea. The aim, according to a statement from Ukraine’s military, was to reduce Russia’s offensive capabilities and disrupt fuel and ammunition supplies to its military units.
The timing of these attacks was notable. They occurred on the eve of a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The two leaders were expected to discuss the ongoing war and potential strategies for peace. Trump, who has tried unsuccessfully to broker a settlement between Kyiv and Moscow, has expressed frustration with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging both to make concessions.
Upon his arrival in New York, Zelenskyy posted on social media, "Almost two dozen meetings are planned. A busy few days lie ahead. Ukraine must become stronger." The Ukrainian leader has consistently called on international partners to ramp up pressure on Russia, specifically citing the need for tougher sanctions and political measures. On September 21, he urged, "There is a real need for strong pressure on Russia, new joint steps from everyone in the world who believes that international law must work again." He singled out "Europe, the USA, the G7 and G20 countries—all those who have real influence on Russia," adding, "Strong sanctions, strong political pressure, Russia's accountability for the war—all of this is necessary. All of this will happen."
Meanwhile, tensions between Moscow and NATO have been rising. Russian drones and military aircraft have repeatedly breached the airspace of several NATO states in recent weeks, prompting a sharp rebuke from the alliance. On September 23, NATO issued a statement condemning Russia’s "increasingly irresponsible" behavior. "Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which are escalatory, risk miscalculation and endanger lives. They must stop," the statement read. NATO warned, "Russia should be in no doubt: NATO and allies will employ, in accordance with international law, all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions. We will continue to respond in the manner, timing, and domain of our choosing."
As both sides trade blows—on the battlefield, in the skies, and on the diplomatic stage—the stakes for Ukraine, Russia, and the broader international community remain perilously high. With no end in sight to the violence and both sides escalating their tactics, the coming days may prove decisive in shaping the next phase of this grinding conflict.
For now, Ukraine’s skies remain under siege, Russia’s capital is on edge, and the world is watching to see if diplomacy can catch up to the pace of war.
