Russia's Defense Ministry says it is preparing large-scale strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities

Russia's Defense Ministry stated on its Telegram channel that, "in accordance with instructions received," it has begun preparing large-scale strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities. The ministry described the preparations as a response to what it called Kyiv's ongoing attacks on Russia's civilian infrastructure and its fuel and energy sector.

Since early August, Ukrainian politicians and military officials have repeatedly warned that the coming winter will be difficult, partly due to a shortage of air defense systems needed to repel Russian attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reviewing diplomats' work on securing energy support and air defense missile deliveries, said winter is clearly a priority for everyone this year.

Possible escalation

Bloomberg reported that Russia is preparing to escalate its strikes on Ukraine because it views peace talks as deadlocked. According to the agency, Moscow is considering intensified strikes using conventional ballistic missiles on Kyiv, including the center of the Ukrainian capital, as well as on infrastructure in other Ukrainian cities.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is delivering a "tough response" to Ukrainian strikes on Russia's economic and trade infrastructure, but that military escalation is not something Moscow needs. He said Ukraine's attacks on Russian economic and trade infrastructure are prompting a tough retaliatory response, but that further military escalation is unnecessary since Russia is advancing regardless.