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What did the strikes of 20 September 2025 show?
Summary
A look back at a weekend of drone and missile attacks on both sides of the front line, and the human toll they left.
What was the picture across the war in the days leading up to 22 September 2025? Reports from 20 September gave a stark answer: strikes were landing deep behind the front line on both sides.
In Ukraine, a Russian drone and missile attack hit critical infrastructure and residential buildings across the country. At least three people were killed and more than 30 were injured, as reported at the time.
In Russia, a Ukrainian drone attack targeted oil refineries in Novokuybyshevsk, in Samara Oblast, and in Saratov, in Saratov Oblast. Four people were killed and one was injured.
The two sets of reports sit side by side. Russian attacks struck infrastructure and homes across Ukraine, while Ukrainian drones reached refineries in two Russian regions. In both countries, people died or were hurt as a result.
By 22 September 2025, these attacks were part of the continuing pattern of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in which civilian areas and energy-related sites were repeatedly targeted.
