Russian drone strike on Poltava energy facility cuts power to 22,000

Russia is increasingly deploying jet-propelled drones, leading to a confirmed drop in Ukraine's interception rate to approximately 60% for these faster platforms. This tactical evolution is straining Ukrainian air defenses and contributing to sustained attacks on civilian infrastructure and population centers, particularly Kharkiv and Poltava. The shift indicates an adaptation in Russian aerial campaign strategy.

Ukraine conducted a significant drone attack on the Moscow region, reportedly involving up to 650 UAVs, with strikes on an oil facility and resulting in at least one fatality and six injuries. Concurrently, Russia executed drone strikes on energy infrastructure in Poltava Oblast, causing power outages for 22,000 consumers. This indicates a reciprocal escalation in drone warfare targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas.