Putin shifts tactics in war against Ukraine - The Economist

Russian forces have sharply increased the number of strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities, particularly in Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv regions. Following recent attacks, some areas were left without electricity for several days.

According to analysts, Russia’s tactics have changed; the strikes are now more precise and systematic. Whereas missiles were previously launched randomly, the Russian military now concentrates waves of coordinated attacks on specific regions using next-generation drones.

Ukraine's response

Ukraine has strengthened its air defense systems and is developing electronic warfare capabilities. New interceptor drones are being designed to protect critical infrastructure, a major technological step in countering persistent aerial threats.

Next-generation drones

The report notes that Russia is actively deploying upgraded Shahed-type drones, with speeds exceeding 300 km/h and improved resistance to jamming systems. These new models can dive nearly vertically, mimicking missile-like trajectories.

While a year ago a night attack of 150 drones was considered large-scale, Ukraine now frequently repels up to 700 drones in a single wave. Despite improved defenses, the scale of such assaults makes full interception extremely difficult.

Strikes on key substations

Roughly 60% of Ukraine’s electricity is generated by nuclear power plants, with the rest coming from hydro and thermal sources. Russia is targeting all components, damaging power stations and disrupting distribution networks.

In recent weeks, Russian strikes have destroyed several thermal facilities and damaged up to half of Ukraine’s gas production, undermining grid stability. The main focus remains on eastern and northern regions.

Journalists report that Russia’s goal is to divide Ukraine’s energy system, cutting off the industrial east from the productive west by severing transmission lines, a strategy aimed at gradually paralyzing power flows between regions.

Defense and recovery

Ukraine’s power grid relies on about 90 key substations, where voltage is converted for regional networks, and Russia is systematically targeting these nodes to expose weak points.

Despite the destruction, Ukraine retains equipment reserves and is forming new units combining air defense and drones to protect energy infrastructure. The immediate priority is to slow the rate of damage and accelerate repairs.

Earlier, Lithuania tightened airspace control measures after multiple intrusions by unidentified objects, while Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov once again denied violating the Budapest Memorandum, defending Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine as "compliant" with its commitments, a claim widely dismissed by Western governments.