Russia aims to knock out Ukraine's power and heat with planned strikes on nuclear substations
Photo: Russian strikes at Ukraine could lead to a complete blackout of electricity and heating (Getty Images)
Russia is considering options to strike nuclear power plant substations to force Ukraine to sign capitulatory demands to end the war. The Kremlin’s plans include leaving Ukrainians totally without electricity and heat, according to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.
“In order to force Ukraine to sign unacceptable capitulatory demands to end the war, the aggressor state Russia is considering the option of attacking strategic energy system facilities of our country — specifically electricity transmission substations that ensure the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants,” the statement says.
As part of its pressure campaign, Russia also plans to intensify intimidation of European countries and the West in general. These measures aim to restrain support for Ukraine, in particular, Ukraine's ability to repel Russian attacks on critical infrastructure facilities.
Moscow intends to leave Ukrainian civilians without electricity and heat supply.
“By destroying or disabling the specified substations, Moscow seeks to disconnect NPP power units from the unified energy system of Ukraine, so that Ukrainian civilians are totally left without light and heat,” the HUR explained.
Intelligence reported that as of mid-January 2025, Russia conducted reconnaissance of ten relevant critical infrastructure facilities in nine regions of Ukraine.
“The Kremlin’s intentions to attack substations to destroy generation at Ukraine’s nuclear power plants in such a hybrid way once again demonstrate the genocidal nature of Russia’s war against Ukraine,” the intelligence concluded.
The situation with Ukraine’s energy sector
Since the fall of 2025, Russia has resumed its tactic of striking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. As a result, many Ukrainian cities are facing blackouts.
On January 9 and 13, Kyiv came under a combined Russian attack. As a result of enemy attacks, emergency power outages remain in effect in the capital to this day — meaning the city is operating without fixed schedules.
In connection with these developments, on January 16, the Cabinet of Ministers approved new rules under which curfews may be eased in cities and communities where an energy emergency is in effect.
On the night of January 17, several taxi services in Kyiv resumed round-the-clock operations.
Kyiv residents do not need special permits to move around during curfew hours. However, as Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal explained, movement is permitted only to reach Points of Invincibility.
