Russia shifts tactics in attacks on Ukraine's energy grid ahead of winter
Photo: The enemy is attacking distribution systems (Getty Images)
Russia has changed its tactics in attacks on Ukraine's energy sector in the fall of 2025, targeting transmission systems and flexible generation in specific regions.
This was stated by Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Energy, Mykola Kolisnyk, during the RBC-Ukraine forum Energy that keeps Ukraine running.
According to the official, all planned measures were implemented ahead of the heating season.
"But what we are seeing is a change in the enemy’s strategy, which effectively leads to regional deficits in generation and transmission capacity. We are basically seeing that the enemy has changed its attack tactics. That is key," he said.
According to Kolisnyk, the attacks are carried out sequentially on the transmission system, the distribution system, and generation in specific regions.
"At the same time, the enemy strikes gas extraction and transportation, understanding that gas-fired generation is one of the components of balancing capacity, which helps cover peak consumption during peak hours," Kolisnyk said.
He also noted that the enemy is targeting hydropower — the second component of flexible generation.
"The enemy’s logic is clear: to knock out electricity transmission capacity and maneuvering capacity, that is, coverage for peak consumption," Kolisnyk added.
The deputy minister reported that individual targets are attacked with multiple drones and missiles, which "overwhelms air defenses." "As a result, we have attacks that cause damage to the energy system," he said.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the massive Russian strikes indicate that Moscow is preparing a blackout for Ukraine again this year.
At the same time, the government is ready for all scenarios, from standard emergency situations to massive attacks during the winter of 2025–2026.
