Russia launched one of its heaviest overnight assaults in months, firing more than 300 drones and 37 missiles across Ukraine on Thursday, in a renewed bid to cripple the country’s energy grid ahead of winter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said targets in Vinnytsia, Poltava, Sumy, and Kharkiv were hit as Moscow intensified its campaign against gas infrastructure.
The strikes mark a shift from Russia’s earlier focus on electricity grids to natural gas facilities, aiming to squeeze Ukraine’s energy supply during the cold months a tactic reminiscent of previous winter offensives that left millions without heat or power.
Why It Matters
Ukraine’s energy system is under severe strain just as temperatures begin to drop. State energy giant Naftogaz reported that six major gas facilities have been attacked this month, disrupting domestic production and forcing Ukraine to rely more heavily on costly imports.
With Kyiv’s finances stretched and its allies growing fatigued, any sustained damage to energy supplies could not only freeze homes but also cripple industry dealing a major blow to Ukraine’s war effort.
Naftogaz CEO Sergii Koretskyi said the latest strikes “directly impact domestic gas production,” confirming temporary shutdowns at several key facilities. Power cuts have already been reported, with authorities limiting electricity to industrial consumers.
President Zelenskiy condemned the strikes and renewed his appeal to Western allies for long-range weapons ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. “Putin has turned a deaf ear to everything the world says,” Zelenskiy said. “The only language he understands is the language of pressure.”
There has been no immediate response from Moscow regarding the attacks.
What’s Next
Ukraine is racing to secure emergency energy funding and ramp up imports of gas before winter sets in. Western partners are expected to discuss additional aid and air defense support during Zelenskiy’s U.S. visit.
Meanwhile, Kyiv has stepped up retaliatory drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, signaling that the energy war is escalating on both sides with the harsh winter months likely to amplify its impact.
With information from Reuters.
