Russia Loses Control of Key Veshkayma Power Substation, Reports Countering Disinformation Center

Russian Energy Grid Suffers Major Blow as Key Power Substation Destroyed in Ulyanovsk Region

A critical component of Russia’s national power grid was knocked offline when the Veshkayma substation in the Ulyanovsk region was attacked by drones, according to Ukrainian officials. The 500-kilovolt facility, which served as a vital connection point between multiple regions, was struck in what appears to be the latest development in an escalating energy infrastructure conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Andrii Kovalenko, Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, confirmed the incident via Telegram. “Russia has lost the Veshkayma substation in the Ulyanovsk region—one of the key elements of its energy system,” Kovalenko stated, implying the attack was retaliatory in nature by adding, “This is what happens when you strike Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.”

The strategic significance of the substation extends beyond the immediate Ulyanovsk region. It functioned as a crucial transit hub linking Ulyanovsk with the Mordovia, Chuvashia, and Samara regions, facilitating electricity transmission from the Syzran and Zhiguli hydroelectric power plants to central Russian territories.

According to the Telegram channel Astra, the attack occurred overnight between October 17 and 18, when multiple drones targeted the facility. Regional authorities reported that four drones struck the substation, causing two explosions and igniting a fire. Eyewitness video shared by Astra captured the moment of impact and the subsequent explosion.

The attack left the settlement of Veshkayma without electricity, though regional officials claim power was restored by Saturday morning. The incident represents one of the most significant disruptions to Russia’s domestic energy infrastructure since the conflict began.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted 41 drones during the overnight barrage. Their report indicated that five drones were shot down over the Republic of Bashkortostan and another five over the Kaluga region, with three intercepted over the Moscow region. Additional drones were reportedly neutralized over several other regions including Ryazan, Belgorod, Oryol, Volgograd, Kursk, Tambov, Tula, and Samara, as well as over the Black Sea.

This attack comes as Ukraine continues its strategy of targeting Russian energy infrastructure, which has proven surprisingly effective according to Ukrainian intelligence officials. Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence at Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, recently asserted that Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have inflicted greater economic damage than international sanctions.

Energy analysts note that attacks on electrical substations represent a potential escalation, as they target not just fuel production but the broader power distribution network that supports both civilian and military operations. Such facilities are typically less heavily defended than refineries or power plants but can cause widespread disruptions when damaged.

The targeting of energy infrastructure has become a hallmark of the conflict, with Russia repeatedly striking Ukraine’s power grid and heating systems, particularly as winter approaches. Ukrainian forces appear to be responding in kind, adopting similar tactics against Russian infrastructure.

International observers have expressed concern about the humanitarian implications of such attacks on both sides, as they primarily affect civilian populations reliant on electricity for heating, medical care, and other essential services.

As the conflict extends into its third year, the mutual targeting of critical infrastructure highlights how the war has evolved beyond traditional battlefield engagements to include economic and civilian infrastructure as strategic targets, raising questions about potential long-term impacts on both countries’ development and recovery prospects.