Russian Defense Ministry is preparing 'massive strikes' on Ukraine's energy facilities

Russia's Defense Ministry announced via Telegram that it is preparing what it calls 'massive strikes' on Ukraine's energy facilities, justifying the plan by accusing Ukraine of hitting 'civilian infrastructure' and complaining about Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. Bloomberg calculates Ukrainian forces hit Russian refineries at least 21 times in August, a monthly record, contributing to a second wave of Russian fuel shortages, including an overnight strike on the large Kirishinefteorgsintez refinery in Leningrad Oblast.

Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal has said Russian forces have already destroyed or damaged more than 80% of Ukraine's power generation capacity, and worries Russia will next target water systems ahead of winter. Bloomberg sources separately report Russia may intensify ballistic missile strikes on central Kyiv, with Russian hardliners increasingly discussing tactical nuclear use, while ISW assesses Russia may be timing an energy campaign to exploit Ukraine's shortage of interceptors.

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