Russia shifts energy attacks in Ukraine, intelligence says
Photo: The HUR told how the tactics of Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy sector have changed (Getty Images)
Russian forces have significantly changed their tactics in striking Ukraine's energy sector. The enemy is primarily trying to create a so-called buffer zone along the border.
This was stated by Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Vadym Skibitskyi during the RBC-Ukraine forum Energy that keeps Ukraine running.
"We expected that the Russians would start hitting our energy infrastructure, particularly thermal power plants, with the onset of freezing temperatures, right before the winter season. But this year there is a difference. The Russians began in our border regions: Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions," Skibitskyi said.
Creating a "buffer zone"
According to him, it is now clear that when Russian dictator Vladimir Putin spoke about a buffer zone, the attacks on Ukrainian territory began precisely with the creation of a buffer and sanitary zone.
"What does a sanitary zone mean? It means all infrastructure: heat, electricity, infrastructure designed to force the population to leave the area. And that is exactly what we see in Sumy and Chernihiv regions," emphasized the Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
How the tactics differ from previous years
"They (the Russians) have moved away from massive strikes across the entire territory of Ukraine, as happened in October 2022. They have learned from previous years. Today, they are trying not just to disrupt the system, but to completely destroy infrastructure in specific regions, achieving 100% effect. So that these facilities could not be restored," he added.
He also noted that a large number of substations that the Russians did not target in 2022–2024 are now under attack. These are 110 kV substations. "We see that they constantly monitor their condition. They also analyze the impact of strikes and conduct reconnaissance to destroy them completely."
Round-the-clock use of Shaheds
"Currently, the amount of weapons Russia produces — not only cruise missiles but also drones like the Shahed — allows the Russians to carry out continuous massive strikes, and this is happening around the clock," Skibitskyi said.
He also noted that if previously drone strikes occurred only at night, today hits on substations and other infrastructure targets happen starting in the morning.
"We are also learning, applying new tactics, and understanding all measures Russia is taking, including which critical facilities it is targeting. This helps us plan all necessary measures to protect infrastructure and concentrate air defense systems to prevent the complete destruction of critical infrastructure," the speaker emphasized.
Russian strikes on energy infrastructure
In recent weeks, Russian forces have carried out a series of massive strikes on energy infrastructure using attack drones and cruise missiles. In addition, targeted strikes on critical infrastructure continue on a regular basis.
To respond more effectively to the consequences of these attacks, the government has created a Coordinating Headquarters for Energy Protection and adopted a number of measures to accelerate the defense of critical facilities.
