Russia has changed its tactics of attacking Ukraine’s energy – Financial Times

Russia has changed its tactics for attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure compared to the winter of 2022-2023.

Financial Times reports this.

Although the damage is not as extensive, it is worse than in the winter of 2022-23, the publication notes. The differences are as follows:

• While the main targets back then were distribution stations and transformers, now it’s power stations in specific regions less protected than Kyiv.
• Strikes are made with precision-guided missiles in a way that it would be impossible to restore the stations by the next winter. It could take several years. “The obvious goal now is permanent, irreparable damage,” the article says.
• The same number of missiles used during the previous campaign are now directed at five to six energy facilities in one region.
• Thus, the Russians are attempting to disconnect major industrial areas and cities from the power supply.
• Drones are also used for attacks on the energy sector as a cheaper way to target other parts of the energy system, such as transformers.

The publication adds that after the new wave of attacks, imports from the EU reached a record 18,700 MWh. This is equivalent to the output of two power stations.