How Russia’s Evolving Strikes Threaten Ukraine’s Energy Needs This Winter | World News

Kyiv: Russia changed its tactics in Ukraine, attacking the country’s critical energy infrastructure. Analysts say this new strategy involves coordinated drone and missile attacks on power plants, transmission lines, heating facilities, natural gas mines, pipelines and underground reserves. The attacks are designed to reduce electricity and heating capacity ahead of winter.

Hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles were used simultaneously in recent attacks. Most drones have been modified to fly faster at higher altitudes and dive sharply to avoid obstruction. Missile software updates allow erratic routes to evade advanced Western-supplied air defenses, including U.S.-made Patriots.

A decrease in intervention rates was observed, from 37 percent in August to 6 percent in September, demonstrating the effectiveness of the changes.

Targets are selected for maximum disruption. Energy facilities, including power plants and natural gas distribution points, are repeatedly hit.

Experts said Russia’s aim was to create regional deficits in energy production and transmission, leaving the civilian population defenseless during the winter months.

The strategic changes mark an evolution from previous tactics. Previous attacks were less sophisticated and were often partially mitigated by Ukrainian defenses. Now the combination of faster drones, unpredictable missile trajectories and precision targeting increases the likelihood of successful strikes.

Russian planners reportedly optimized the timing and coordination of attacks. Regional experts described the October 10 attack on a major power plant in Kiev as an indicator of this new operational model. The attack involved hundreds of drones and missiles in a concentrated assault on multiple cities.

They emphasize that Russia’s focus extends beyond immediate destruction. The strikes aim to create a long-term vulnerability in energy and gas infrastructure, putting long-term pressure on repair and restoration work. This is a deliberate attempt to weaken endurance before the coldest months.

The strategy reflects a learning curve. Each new attack incorporates lessons learned from previous failures. Analysts say the evolution of drones and missile tactics, combined with selective targeting of critical infrastructure, represents the most complex phase to date of Russia’s campaign against Ukraine’s energy systems.