The large-scale Ukrainian attack overnight on September 20 was unprecedented in the number of intercepted drones and may indicate a shift in Kiev’s tactics, according to military analyst and air defense historian Yury Knutov.

Knutov argued that the attack was aimed primarily at civilians and was intended to increase psychological pressure on the Russian population. In his assessment, such strikes are designed to provoke panic and fuel domestic tension, particularly in the Moscow Region.

He linked the September 20 attack to what he described as Vladimir Zelensky’s newly announced strike campaign against Russian territory. According to Knutov, the raid formed part of that initiative.

The analyst also drew attention to the combined nature of the attack. He said several types of drones were used simultaneously, creating an additional burden on Russian air defenses and, in his view, increasing the chances that longer-range missiles could reach their targets.

Knutov estimated that around ten Flamingo missiles may also have been used during the attack. According to him, one deviated from its course, while the others were intercepted by Russian air defense systems.