Russia is developing a plan to strike strategic energy facilities that sustain the operation of Ukraine's nuclear power plants. The enemy's objective is to cut power to the population and coerce Kyiv into signing a capitulation on unacceptable terms.
As reported by "Hvylya", citing the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Kremlin is weighing attacks on power transmission substations. Taking these facilities offline would result in the disconnection of nuclear reactor units from the unified energy grid.
"By destroying or disabling these substations, Moscow aims to disconnect NPP units from Ukraine's unified energy system, leaving Ukrainian civilians completely without electricity and heat," the agency warned.
HUR noted that preparations for such strikes are being conducted systematically. As of mid-January 2025, Russian forces had already carried out reconnaissance on ten critical facilities across nine regions of Ukraine.
In parallel, Moscow is intensifying pressure on Western partners. This information campaign aims to intimidate Europe and block the delivery of air defense supplies vital for Ukraine to repel these terrorist attacks.
"The Kremlin's intentions to attack substations in order to destroy generation at Ukrainian NPPs via this hybrid method once again testify to the genocidal nature of Russia's war against Ukraine," intelligence officials concluded.
Zelensky's Statement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received a report from the Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence, Oleh Ivashchenko. According to the special services, Russia has no intention of ceasing hostilities and is preparing new strikes on critical facilities supporting nuclear power plants.
"At the same time, there is sufficient information regarding the preparation of further Russian strikes on our energy sector and infrastructure, including facilities and networks servicing our nuclear stations," he stated.
The President emphasized that attacks on the energy system in winter carry not only humanitarian but also geopolitical consequences. They directly undermine attempts by Western partners to find a diplomatic resolution to the war.
"Every Russian strike on the energy sector amid such a harsh winter weakens and devalues the efforts of key states, particularly the United States, to end this war. Ukraine is maximally constructive in diplomacy; Russia is focused only on strikes and tormenting people," the Head of State noted.
Kyiv plans to share the gathered intelligence with international partners who hold leverage over the situation and can help avert a catastrophe.
