Key facts
- Russia is preparing for significant offensive strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
- The Russian defense ministry stated the strikes are in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities.
- A recent Russian attack on a warehouse near Kyiv killed 38 people.
- Ukraine's President Zelenskyy reported nearly 2,000 strike drones and over 1,600 aerial bombs used by Russia this week.
- Ukrainian officials believe Russia is planning a new ground assault on Kyiv.
Russia's military is preparing for extensive strikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, according to an announcement by the defense ministry on Sunday. The ministry stated these preparations are a response to Ukraine's actions against Russian energy facilities. This announcement follows a recent large-scale Russian attack on a warehouse near Kyiv that reportedly killed 38 people and injured 20, with four still missing. The fires from the attack also damaged at least 50 residential homes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia has launched nearly 2,000 strike drones, over 1,600 aerial bombs, and 31 missiles of various types in the past week alone. Earlier in the month, Ukraine's Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal had warned that Russian President Putin intended to "finish off (Ukraine’s) energy system," emphasizing Kyiv's efforts to bolster its energy resilience.
In addition to targeting energy facilities, Ukrainian officials have indicated that intelligence suggests Russia is planning a new ground offensive against the capital, Kyiv, and the city of Chernihiv. Pavlo Palisa, deputy head of Ukraine’s presidential office, confirmed that Russian military leaders have been tasked with planning these attacks.
Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on Saturday that NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte had assessed the escalating situation on the Ukrainian-Russian front, noting Russia's progression in escalation and urging for increased air support for Ukraine.