Russia Prepares Large-Scale Strikes on Ukrainian Energy Facilities

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Telegram that it is preparing massive strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in retaliation for ongoing Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian and economic targets. The ministry said the preparations follow instructions received and are part of a broader plan to use conventional ballistic missiles against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian officials have warned that the coming winter could be hard to survive without sufficient air‑defense coverage. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a “tough response” is justified but that military escalation is not necessary, noting that Russia is already advancing. The announcement signals a potential escalation that could damage Ukrainian power supplies and strain winter preparedness.