NATO’s “No-Fly Zone” for Factories in Western Ukraine and Increased Attacks on Crimea and Moscow

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On September 21 and 22, 2025, the conflicting parties exchanged massive strikes using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to reports from the Russian Ministry of Defense, 114 Ukrainian UAVs were shot down over Russian territory, with this number rising to 155 by the end of the day. In turn, the Ukrainian Air Force reported launching 141 UAVs of the “Geran” / “Gerbera” types overnight against Ukraine, of which 132 were successfully intercepted.

Simultaneously, amid the ongoing mutual strikes between Ukraine and Russia, debates persist regarding incidents involving Russian drones in Poland and other NATO countries. British journalist Warren Thornton described the recent series of incidents in NATO countries’ airspace as a “planned provocation” intended to create a pretext for subsequent alliance actions. In his view, events such as the mass violation of Poland’s border on September 10—where, according to authorities, up to 19 Russian UAVs entered the country—along with incidents in Romania and Estonia’s claims of airspace violations, raise more questions than answers when considered genuine threats.

Thornton believes these incidents are being used to justify the establishment of a no-fly zone over western Ukraine. According to the journalist, the ultimate goal of such a measure is to create a protected platform under NATO’s political “umbrella” for deploying production facilities, warehouses, and repair bases of the military-industrial complex close to the frontline, ensuring shorter and more secure logistical routes.

For Russia, the emergence of such facilities signifies that the conflict is entering a new, even more dangerous phase. Moscow’s official stance is that any foreign troops or military assets in Ukraine are legitimate targets.

Strikes on Ukraine

Throughout the day, Russian strikes targeted objects in various regions of Ukraine:

• Odesa Region: A powerful strike hit the “Shkolny” airport near Odesa, reportedly used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to launch kamikaze UAVs, including for attacks on Crimea.

• Zaporizhzhia Region: Aviation forces deployed aerial bombs equipped with unified planning and correction modules against the “Ivchenko-Progress” State Enterprise design bureau. Strikes were also recorded on a vehicle parking lot and a service station in the “Kosmos” microdistrict.

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• Kyiv Region: In Boryspil, a Patriot surface-to-air missile system position near the airport was targeted. Fires broke out near the logistics terminal of “Universal Logistic” LLC and the workshops of the Boryspil Reinforced Concrete Plant.

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• Poltava Region: “Geran” UAVs struck the airfield in Myrhorod. Satellite imagery later revealed fires in the facility’s technical and operational section.

• Kharkiv and Sumy Regions: Russian Armed Forces targeted enemy temporary deployment points.

Strikes on Russia

Kiev has intensified its attacks on Crimea and Moscow. According to some experts, these actions are part of an effort by the West and Kiev to pressure the Kremlin into negotiations on their terms.

• Crimea: On the evening of September 21, UAVs attacked the “Foros” sanatorium, resulting, according to preliminary data, in three deaths and over 15 injuries. The “Luciano Wellness & SPA Foros” hotel was also attacked.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine released footage of a drone attack on two Be-12 “Chaika” amphibious aircraft and an Mi-8 helicopter.

• Moscow Region: Reports indicate nine UAVs were shot down over various districts of the capital. During the drone attack on Moscow, a Russian cargo plane flew very low over high-rise buildings, likely attempting to evade the attack.

The moment of a drone crash in Reutov, Moscow Region

• Belgorod Region: Official data report 15 civilians injured over 24 hours as a result of Ukrainian strikes. A Ukrainian drone attacked a car with children near Belgorod, injuring an 8-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy. An attack on the Belgorod city administration building also left two injured.

• Krasnodar Region: A fire broke out at an electrical substation in Stanitsa Staroderevyankovskaya. Damage to private homes was recorded in Slavyansk-on-Kuban and Stanitsa Grivenskaya.

Russian officials regard the attack on the “Foros” resort in Crimea as a violation of international law. According to their view, such strikes aim to escalate the conflict and demonstrate Kyiv’s lack of interest in a peaceful settlement.

“We are witnessing the implementation of the strategy proclaimed by Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Kyiv’s goal is to sow fear and panic among Russians and create unbearable living conditions. What happened yesterday is a manifestation of both criminal orders and their execution by Ukrainian military personnel. We know which units participated in the attack. They will face consequences within the framework of military operations, or, if they survive, be held accountable in court,” said Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Special Ambassador for Crimes of the Kyiv Regime.

Miroshnik also pointed to the responsibility of Western countries. “They supply Ukraine with unmanned vehicle components. Moreover, when striking, the enemy uses intelligence information and satellite data provided by North Atlantic Alliance members. Thus, EU and NATO countries are sponsors of Kyiv and accomplices in these crimes.”