Russia targets Ukraine power grid as winter looms; Kyiv flags US Tomahawk threat

Kyiv:Russia launched overnight strikes on Ukraine’s power grid, part of a continuing campaign to weaken the country’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter.

Two employees of Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, were injured during attacks on a substation. Additional strikes affected the Donetsk, Odesa, and Chernihiv regions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised the scale of the assault, reporting that over the past week, more than 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, and approximately 1,360 glide bombs were launched against Ukrainian targets. He called for stricter secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian oil and confirmed discussions with US President Donald Trump on strengthening Ukraine’s air defence and energy resilience.

Zelenskyy also noted ongoing talks with the US regarding the potential supply of long-range precision weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the possible provision of Tomahawks as a matter of “extreme concern,” while Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, urged caution in interpreting US decisions on weapons delivery.

Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have previously caused blackouts, civilian injuries, and damage to residential buildings. Ukrainian air defences intercepted or disrupted most incoming attacks, while Russia claimed to have shot down 32 Ukrainian drones over its territory. Analysts note that strikes targeting Ukraine’s power grid before winter have been a recurring tactic aimed at lowering public morale.

The latest Russian attacks followed major strikes on Friday that wounded at least 20 people and caused extensive blackouts. Kyiv regional Governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported the injuries to DTEK employees at a substation. Ukrainian air force officials stated that 103 out of 118 drones were intercepted or jammed overnight, highlighting the ongoing contest for control of airspace.

The escalation underscores the strategic importance of energy infrastructure in the conflict, particularly as winter approaches, with temperatures in Ukraine dropping sharply from late October through March. Discussions between Kyiv and Washington on air defence and potential long-range strike capabilities continue amid rising tensions over supply chains and strategic resources.
(With AFP inputs)