Russia plans to leave Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa without power and heat within month - NYT
Russia is preparing its most devastating attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this winter (photo: Getty Images)
Russia plans to disable Ukraine's energy infrastructure and trigger a large-scale humanitarian crisis. Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa are the main targets of the planned strikes, The New York Times reports.
The newspaper notes that, according to Russian documents intercepted by Ukrainian intelligence services, Moscow intends to severely restrict access to basic utilities in major regional centers.
Russia aims to destroy Ukraine's energy system through massive strikes over the course of just one month.
The enemy seeks to completely cut off water, electricity, and heating supplies to three major cities: Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa.
According to the newspaper, the number of weapons required roughly corresponds to the average number of ballistic missiles and drones that penetrate Ukraine's air defenses each month.
These conclusions are based on an analysis of Ukrainian Air Force data.
To achieve this, the aggressor plans to use around 70 ballistic missiles, 720 long-range drones, and 150 guided aerial bombs.
The attacks will target not only thermal and hydroelectric power plants but also distribution substations near nuclear power plants and water supply facilities.
According to media reports, Ukrainian officials have already shared this information with European partners.
"Our partners, like us, were struck by its cynicism, by this cold, terrorist calculation of how to destroy our energy sector," Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said, commenting on the intercepted Russian plans.
To mitigate the consequences of potential attacks, Ukrainian energy workers have spent months building protective structures around critical facilities.
Work has also been carried out to restore damaged equipment and install gas turbines to decentralize electricity generation.
At the same time, experts emphasize that Ukraine's energy system remains highly vulnerable due to prolonged Russian attacks, making it extremely difficult to maintain its integrity during massive strikes.
Russia has resumed attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing power outages in Kyiv and several other regions ahead of the heating season.
Prolonged power outages could significantly increase Ukrainian households' monthly expenses by thousands of hryvnias.
Additional funds will be needed to purchase backup power supplies, arrange heating, prepare food, and maintain reliable communications.
