Moscow announces imminent large-scale assault on Ukrainian energy grid
Russia's defence ministry said it is preparing major strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, framing them as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil and power facilities. The death toll from a Russian strike on a warehouse near Kyiv has climbed to 38, with four people still missing, making it the deadliest attack this year. A separate missile strike on the Russian city of Belgorod killed two people and injured 16.
Russia's defence ministry announced Sunday it is preparing strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, describing the action as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil and power infrastructure. A similar campaign last winter devastated Ukraine's power sector, leaving millions without electricity and heating during freezing temperatures.
The warehouse strike near Kyiv has become the deadliest attack of the year, with 38 confirmed dead and four missing. Additional strikes killed a two-year-old in Kyiv and two civilians in Belgorod, Russia. Ukraine is testing four interceptor systems against Russia's jet-powered drones, which have targeted Kyiv for four consecutive days.
The escalating attacks on energy infrastructure could have severe humanitarian consequences as colder months approach, potentially leaving millions without heating and electricity. The conflict's energy dimension may also strain global energy markets and complicate climate policy efforts, since damaged infrastructure often leads to increased reliance on emergency fossil fuel generation. Civilian populations on both sides face heightened risk, while upcoming talks with US representatives could shape whether the conflict escalates further.