Russia plans winter strikes to cut off electricity, heat, and water in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa to force Ukraine’s surrender, NYT reports

Russia is reportedly planning a winter campaign to cripple Ukraine's energy infrastructure, targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa by cutting off electricity, heat, and water supplies, according to The New York Times. This tactic aims to force Ukraine to surrender. The plan, obtained by Ukrainian officials and shared with European partners, outlines the need for approximately 70 ballistic missiles, 720 long-range drones, and 150 guided aerial bombs to achieve this disruption.

If successful, the campaign could reduce Ukraine's power generation capacity by up to 90% in the three major cities, severely impacting heat supplies, water, and sewage systems. Russia's strategy is bolstered by Ukraine's limited air defenses, particularly the lack of Patriot interceptors, making it difficult to defend against ballistic missiles.

Despite the potential success of this approach, military experts caution that such bombing campaigns historically have failed to compel an enemy to capitulate. Past instances, including the U.S. strategy in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, and the ongoing conflict with Iran, demonstrate the ineffectiveness of targeting civilian populations to achieve political objectives.