Russia to target Ukraine’s energy, heating and water systems — intelligence

Russian forces are anticipated to concentrate their attacks this fall and winter on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, gas transportation system, water supply, and heating network, according to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence deputy chief Vadym Skibitskyi. Russia has developed a specialized drone intended to damage electricity transmission towers, Skibitskyi revealed.

"The targets will primarily include the defense-industrial complex, military facilities, energy infrastructure, logistics systems, and gas stations," he stated. Skibitskyi emphasized that Russia's targets extend beyond military installations to encompass civilian infrastructure as well. "During the winter, our most delicate areas are electricity and heating, so they might also be subjected to attack," he cautioned.

Russia has recently developed a UAV specifically engineered to strike electricity transmission towers, Skibitskyi added, noting that the drone carries an explosive element embedded in its wings capable of severing metal. Ukraine's intelligence estimates are partly derived from analyzing Russian reconnaissance activities over Ukrainian territory, including the deployment of satellites to monitor critical infrastructure facilities nationwide, Skibitskyi explained.

He also cautioned about potential threats to Ukraine's water supply. The country's gas transportation system and production facilities in Poltava and Kharkiv oblasts are at risk of being targeted during the fall and winter. Russia has previously targeted gas infrastructure in both regions. Ukrenergo CEO Vitalii Zaichenko stated in July that Russia employs groups of 20 to 25 drones to strike Ukrainian energy facilities simultaneously.

The number of successful strikes on energy infrastructure in 2026 rose by 36% compared to the first half of 2025, Zaichenko reported.