Russia says preparing 'massive strikes' on Ukraine's energy sector
Russia has announced plans for massive strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure in retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks. Both nations continue to escalate long-range strikes, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
Why it matters
The ongoing escalation threatens regional energy security and increases the humanitarian toll of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Russia's Defence Ministry on Sunday (August 30, 2026) said it was gearing up for large-scale attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in a tit-for-tat response to strikes by Kyiv.
"Russian forces have begun preparations for massive strikes against facilities in Ukraine's energy sector in response to the ongoing attacks by the Kyiv regime on civilian infrastructure and on Russia's oil and energy complex," it said on Telegram.
Last winter, Moscow repeatedly hit Ukrainian power plants, devastating the country's energy sector and plunging millions of people into cold and darkness in sub-zero temperatures.
Both sides have for several months escalated long-range strikes, targeting infrastructure such as warehouses, businesses, oil and port facilities, as well as ships, increasing civilian casualties.
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