Russia intensifies strikes on Ukraine energy grid ahead of peace talks

Russia is pouring more resources into its air campaign as its ground advance stalls in eastern Ukraine. Moscow is striking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure harder and earlier in the year than in previous years.

Analysts say the Kremlin has broadened its targets to further damage Ukraine’s economy. John Lough of the London-based New Eurasian Strategies Centre said the air campaign is clearly aimed at destroying Ukraine’s economy in a systematic way.

“Putin has concluded the only way to break that is to actually break the economy, and they are doing that in a systematic way.”

A United Nations investigations panel concluded last week that Russia committed war crimes and crimes against humanity by intentionally attacking civilian infrastructure, especially vital energy systems during the severe winter of 2025-2026.

Civilian deaths in Ukraine are at their highest since the first months of the war. Russian strikes have killed more than 2,700 Ukrainian civilians so far in 2026, according to data compiled by ACLED.

The number of Russian strikes launched on Ukraine has increased steadily in 2026. There were 3,650 Russian strikes in January 2026, and the figure rose further for October.

Experts warn this winter’s attacks are expected to be worse than last year. Cristian Vlas of ACLED said a terrible humanitarian situation will arrive much earlier than in 2025.

With the United States set to mediate fresh peace talks next week, Russian President Vladimir Putin is escalating his attacks on Ukraine instead of de-escalating.