Putin wants to make every major Ukrainian city unlivable, The Guardian reports

According to the journalists, they have obtained a new Russian plan that calls for a significant escalation of terror against Ukraine's civilian population.

The outlet noted that recent Russian military actions indicate that the plan is already being implemented. Last week, Russian missiles and drones systematically struck power plants in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other major cities. This led to ongoing power outages and disruptions to water supplies.

"Even as Donald Trump unilaterally declared an 'energy ceasefire' last week between Moscow and Kyiv, Russia continued with its methodical and devastating strikes on Ukraine’s power grid, in particular in Kyiv, in a strategy meant to punish Ukraine’s population and drive the country to capitulation," the journalists emphasized.

The outlet concluded that Putin is resorting to this strategy because of the Russian army's lack of success on the battlefield, as well as amid the recent counteroffensive by Ukraine's Defense Forces.

The Russian leader's goal is clear: to make every Ukrainian city unlivable. Russia has even calculated how many missiles and drones would be needed to achieve this objective.

In addition, Russia has identified vulnerable facilities in Ukraine's energy system and even planned strikes on high-risk targets, including distribution substations at several nuclear power plants.

Putin's main target remains unchanged: Kyiv. The Russian leader wants to deprive the Ukrainian capital of 90% of its electricity supply, plunging the city into cold and darkness.

"A worst-case scenario could lead to blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day until damaged equipment is repaired, according to expert projections," the outlet writes.

RBC-Ukraine previously reported that Putin had publicly ordered the continuation of massive strikes on Ukraine.

In addition, it was reported that the Russian president plans to deploy ballistic systems in Belarus.