Russia shifts tactics in strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, energy minister says

Russia changes its tactics

Shmyhal noted that the intensity of Russian attacks affects the timeline for repair work.

"This fall, the enemy shifted to a comprehensive strategy to destroy Ukraine's energy system, significantly changing its tactics. The enemy is massively deploying drones with turbojet engines in target-search mode, using MESH networks and AI, which increases strike accuracy," he said.

According to the minister, the main targets have been key substations, switchyards, power lines, thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants, combined heat and power plants, and oil and gas infrastructure.

Situation in the energy system

Shmyhal noted that the electricity situation remains particularly difficult in Kyiv and Dnipro. Restoration work in both cities is underway around the clock, without interruption.

"Additional teams of energy workers have already been formed to provide assistance," he said.

At the same time, the resilience of local communities is being strengthened through the development and launch of distributed generation facilities that have already been installed, according to the minister.

"We have coordinated the work of Kyiv's contact centers, distribution system operators and the Government Contact Center to ensure faster and more efficient processing of citizens' requests and complaints," he said.

Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Russia had struck a critically important substation that ensures the operation of the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. Shmyhal said this poses a threat to nuclear safety across Europe.

In addition, Russia plans to disable Ukraine's energy infrastructure and trigger a large-scale humanitarian crisis. The enemy has identified Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa as its main targets.

Russia has also resumed attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing power outages in Kyiv and several other regions ahead of the heating season.