Deep-Strike Drones Punch Through Russian Air Defenses, Reportedly Igniting Blazes at Key Power Hub

A major power station in Russia’s Ryazan region was hit by a wave of explosive-laden drones, according to the OSINT collective Supernova+ on November 19.

The group said “at least seven drones” slammed into the thermal power plant, triggering a series of bright flashes followed by heavy explosions. The video circulating online shows multiple impacts across the energy complex, suggesting the drones reached the target despite Russia’s layered air-defense network around critical infrastructure.

Ryazan governor Pavel Malkov acknowledged that attack drones had passed over the region but insisted that air defenses “destroyed all eight UAVs,” claiming the resulting fires were caused only by falling debris.

Soon after issuing his statement, he prohibited residents from sharing any photos or videos from the scene, including material showing alleged drone wreckage.

The footage published by Supernova+ captures drones reaching the plant itself, detonating on impact, and setting off large secondary explosions within the facility.

The targeted power station is part of Russia’s Unified Energy System for the central regions and feeds high-voltage 500 kV and 220 kV lines. With roughly 3,000 MW of installed capacity, it supplies a substantial share of electricity to the surrounding territory.

Earlier, in temporarily occupied Crimea, strikes by the Ukrainian Defense Forces significantly damaged the Saky Thermal Power Plant.

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