Russia preparing new strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid and infrastructure, Zelenskyy says

Zelenskyy heard a report from the head of the Defense Intelligence, Oleh Ivashchenko, on the tasks defined for the Russian army. According to Zelenskyy, intelligence does not record any readiness on Russia’s part to fulfill any agreements or end the war.

“Instead, there is ample information about preparations for further Russian strikes on our energy sector and infrastructure, including facilities and networks that serve our nuclear power plants,” the president said.

The head of state emphasized that every such Russian strike on the energy sector during a harsh winter weakens and devalues the efforts of key countries, including the United States, to end the war.

Zelenskyy also announced that Ukraine will share this information with countries that can influence Russia.

“Ukraine is being as constructive as possible in diplomacy, while Russia is focused only on strikes and on tormenting people. Partners must draw the proper conclusions from this. We will provide the available information to those in the world whose influence matters and can help,” the president concluded.

Ukraine could be left completely without electricity and heat

An hour before Zelenskyy’s statement, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) reported that Russia is considering options to strike nuclear power plant substations to force Ukraine to sign unacceptable capitulation terms after the end of the war.

Moscow intends to intensify intimidation of Western countries to monitor support for Ukraine, in particular its ability to repel Russian attacks.

“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 intelligence agency explained.

The energy situation in Ukraine

Since fall 2025, Russia has resumed its campaign of strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing many cities to face blackouts and be forced to live according to schedules.

One of the most recent large-scale attacks was an attack on Kyiv. On the nights of January 9 and 13, the enemy carried out combined strikes on the capital’s energy facilities, as a result of which the city is still living under emergency power outages.

In connection with recent events, on January 16, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a number of new rules. Now, in localities where an energy emergency is in effect, the curfew may be eased.

Starting January 17, several taxi services in Kyiv began operating around the clock again, and residents of the capital can move freely during curfew hours. But the movement is allowed only to the Points of Invincibility.