Russia changes the tactics of attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure — FT

The Russians have altered their tactics in attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, employing precision-guided missiles to target power plants in less fortified areas. Some facilities may not be fully restored until next winter, as reported in the Financial Times.

«Ukrainian officials have stated that although the damage caused by Moscow is not as widespread, it is more severe than during the winter of 2022-23, indicating Russia’s current objective is to inflict permanent and irreparable harm. Between March 22 and 29, Russia targeted seven thermal power plants, all located in various regions except for Kyiv, which boasts one of the country’s most robust air defense systems. Additionally, Russian missiles struck two hydroelectric power plants», — the article cited by EP stated.

While Ukraine did not provide specific details regarding the extent of damage at each station, officials noted that some, including one near the Russian border in the Kharkiv region, were nearly completely destroyed.

«Our aim is to restore as many as possible by October», — said DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko.

The group lost approximately 80 percent of its electricity production in the Russian attacks during the last week of March, forcing five of DTEK’s thermal power plants to cease operations.

Timchenko outlined plans to reactivate certain substations and major power plants that weren’t entirely destroyed, stating, «Assuming there are no further attacks, at least 50 percent of the damaged power units will be reconnected to the grid».

«The number of missiles deployed during the winter attack of 2022-23 is now targeting five to six energy facilities in a single region… The Russians are attempting to sever power supplies to large industrial regions and cities», — remarked Maria Tsaturyan, head of communications at Ukrenergo.

According to Tsaturyan, Ukrenergo can defend smaller substations from attacks with defensive structures, but safeguarding large power plants, which require «several months or even years to restore«, is «very difficult, if not impossible«.

Another significant departure from the winter of 2022-2023 is Russia’s utilization of costly precision ballistic missiles, noted Andriy Gerus, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada’s Energy Committee. The GUR estimates that Russia possesses enough missiles for one or two major attacks in the coming weeks.

As a reminder, in the morning, the Zvyagel city council reported that an infrastructure facility in the community was attacked overnight, resulting in a «threat of air pollution.» However, the specific facility targeted has not yet been specified.