Russian dictator Vladimir Putin cannot conquer Ukraine, so he wants to destroy it by launching air strikes on energy networks, central heating, and gas infrastructure before winter. Its goal is to make large areas of eastern Ukraine uninhabitable, undermine industry, and provoke mass emigration and panic, writes The Economist.

"The Kremlin is acting even more cold-blooded and cynical than before. A few days before the meeting between Trump and Zelensky, missiles and drones cut off the water supply to the Ukrainian capital. For the first time, the Kyiv metro was left without electricity. Attacks on frontline areas, such as Sumy and Chernihiv, left parts of these regions without electricity for several days," the material recalled.

At the same time, Ukraine has significantly improved its air defense, both in intercepting missiles and in electronic warfare around important objects. The publication emphasizes that Ukrainians are expanding the use of new interceptor drone technology, which is a serious achievement.

"But Russian capabilities and tactics are evolving more rapidly. In previous years, the Kremlin used expensive and often inaccurate missiles for scattered attacks across Ukraine. Now it is focusing on specific regions, attacking in waves using the latest versions of the inexpensive Shahed drones," The Economist notes.

These drones are now much faster and more accurate than the first prototypes that Iran delivered to Russia in 2022. The most advanced Shaheds now travel three times faster, exceeding 300 km/h, and also use artificial intelligence to overcome Ukrainian defenses as they approach their targets.

"Drones also attack differently, approaching from near-vertical positions, above machine gun range, similar to missiles. And there are now many more of them," the publication adds.

What are Russia's tactics during attacks on energy?

According to The Economist, Russia is focusing its attacks on both sides of the balance: production and distribution. Over the course of three weeks, the Russians have managed to shut down several thermal power plants and perhaps half of Ukraine’s gas production. In addition to the cost of infrastructure damage, the latest attacks have forced Ukraine to spend $1.9 billion on gas imports.

"Outside the capital, Russia has focused on the border regions of Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv. The goal seems to be to divide Ukraine into two parts: to separate the industrial east, where consumption has always been higher, from energy production in the west, and to weaken power transmission lines to ultimately paralyze the flow from west to east," the publication suggests.

At the same time, a journalistic source in the government noted that the Russians first want to turn off electricity on the east bank, not the entire country.

Ukraine already has experience with such attacks

The publication recalled that Ukraine has faced difficult challenges before. It currently has several spare transformers that it can use for repairs.

"A achievable goal may be to slow down the destruction by Russia enough to replace damaged equipment. The country is creating hundreds of new military units that combine air defense with drones to protect critical facilities. But this winter looks set to test resilience like never before. Long power outages in many regions are a real prospect," the publication warns.

Moreover, not only the light, but also the gas can be turned off, the material adds.

"Putin, having smelled blood, is unlikely to stop. In previous years, his attacks have only strengthened Ukraine's resolve. This time they may be more effective," The Economist concluded.

Russia's attacks on energy - latest news

As UNIAN wrote, October 25 Russia attacked DTEK mine , where almost 500 employees were. Fortunately, everyone managed to be brought to the surface, no one was injured. The company added that this is the 7th large-scale enemy attack on DTEK coal enterprises in the last 2 months.

It was also reported that on October 24 Russians attacked Kirovohrad region, as a result of which 19 settlements were left without electricity. In addition, fires broke out in several locations in the region.

"There was no information about the injured and dead. The elimination of the consequences of the enemy shelling is ongoing," the State Emergency Service noted at the time.