Russia’s new tactics: instead of strikes on the entire energy system, targeted attacks on regions
8 October 2025 17:06
In recent weeks, Russia has changed its tactics of shelling Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
According to the head of Ukrenergo, Vitaliy Zaichenko, during a meeting with G7 ambassadors, the enemy has abandoned massive attacks on the entire system and is now concentrating on individual regional power grid nodes, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
This means that not only large cities are at risk, but also certain regions, where the destruction of a single substation or line can lead to large-scale blackouts.
How the power system is protected
- Most substations have already built protective structures that have proven to be effective. According to Zaichenko, dozens of times the equipment remained intact after direct hits.
- However, the reinforcement works are ongoing, and they are carried out mainly with grants and loans from international partners.
- “The stability of the system directly depends on further support,” emphasized the CEO of Ukrenergo.
Why it is important
Russia’s changing tactics create new challenges:
- Localized strikes can disable critical facilities faster and force Ukraine to move reserves.
- Western aid is becoming even more relevant, from generators to modern protection systems.
- Ukraine’s energy system proved its resilience last winter, but now the war is moving into a phase of more flexible and targeted attacks.
Last winter, Russia tried to plunge Ukraine into a blackout with a series of massive strikes, but the power system survived thanks to repairs under fire, electricity imports, and help from partners.
In October 2025, the strikes left residents of several regions without electricity.
Earlier, experts warned that the shelling of the energy sector would continue, the only question was the scale and intensity.
What’s next
Ukraine expects that Russia will try to repeat the attack scenario in winter, but with new tactics.
The question of whether it will be possible to maintain the balance of the system will depend on:
- the pace of restoration of facilities;
- assistance from international partners;
- the effectiveness of air defense.
