Russia Intensifies Strikes on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure Ahead of Winter

KYIV: Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with the state-owned Naftogaz Group reporting 13 strikes against its facilities over the past week and nearly 300 attacks since the beginning of the year, raising concerns that Moscow could again target the country’s power and heating systems during the coming winter.

Naftogaz said Russian drones and missiles struck facilities in several regions, causing serious damage to equipment and production capacity. One facility was reportedly hit multiple times during the week. The company said no employees were injured in the latest attacks.

Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of “weaponizing winter” by repeatedly targeting energy infrastructure in an effort to deprive civilians of electricity, heating and running water during the coldest months. Kyiv fears that Moscow will maintain or intensify the campaign as winter approaches.

DTEK Group, Ukraine’s largest private energy investor, separately reported that a Russian attack triggered a fire at one of its coal mines, killing a 52-year-old worker. The incidents underscore the continuing vulnerability of Ukraine’s energy sector despite extensive efforts to strengthen infrastructure and air defenses.

The latest attacks come as both Russia and Ukraine increasingly rely on long-range drones and missiles. With ground forces largely stalled along the approximately 1,250-kilometer front line, the two sides have expanded aerial strikes against military, industrial and energy targets.

Ukraine has also stepped up its attacks deep inside Russian territory. Kyiv launched more than 800 long-range drones toward Russia on Sunday, while Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted Russian oil facilities and other strategic infrastructure.

The escalation has resulted in casualties on both sides. Ukrainian officials said Russian strikes killed five civilians in Ukraine, while Russian authorities reported seven deaths from Ukrainian long-range attacks.

Ukraine is meanwhile seeking to strengthen its air-defense capabilities amid shortages of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors, which are regarded as particularly important for countering Russian ballistic missiles. Kyiv is also developing domestic long-range weapons and cooperating with European countries on new anti-ballistic defense systems.

The United Nations has reported a sharp increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine, with 437 civilians killed in July alone, a 70 percent increase compared with July 2025. The continuing attacks on critical infrastructure have heightened concerns about the humanitarian consequences of another harsh winter.

As the conflict enters another winter season, the protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is expected to remain a central challenge, while the intensifying long-range strikes by both sides risk further widening the humanitarian and economic impact of the war.