Ukraine Drone Strike Ignites Fire at Moscow Region Power Plant, Disrupting Heating for Thousands

Moscow Region, Russia – A Ukrainian drone strike on November 23, 2025, targeted the Shatura Power Station, approximately 120 kilometers east of the Kremlin, sparking a significant fire and cutting off heating for thousands of residents. The incident marks a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict, with former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt observing the development, stating, "This night it looks as if 🇺🇦 succeeded in striking power plants in the Moscow 🇷🇺 region. That’s a new development."

Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov confirmed that Ukrainian drones hit the facility, leading to a fire. Videos shared on social media showed fireballs and thick black smoke billowing from the station, one of Russia's oldest power plants, which now primarily operates on natural gas. Emergency services reported that three transformers at the station caught fire, and efforts were immediately underway to restore heat supply to the town of Shatura, which has a population of around 33,000.

This strike represents one of Kyiv's most significant attacks on energy infrastructure deep inside Russian territory. Throughout the conflict, Russia has frequently targeted Ukraine's electricity and heating infrastructure, particularly as winter approaches. Conversely, Ukraine has largely focused on striking Russia's oil refineries, crude terminals, and pipelines to impact Moscow's war economy.

In response to the attack, Russian defense forces reported shooting down 75 Ukrainian drones, including several in the Moscow region, on the same day. Flights at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport were briefly suspended as a precautionary measure. While the immediate impact included heating disruptions, Governor Vorobyov announced on November 24 that the heating and power plant had resumed operations, with authorities working to reconnect all affected buildings.