{
  "id": 4578274,
  "title": "Russia’s Defense Ministry says it is preparing large-scale strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/russias-defense-ministry-says-it-is-preparing-large-scale-strikes-on",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T05:11:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Meduza (English)",
    "slug": "meduza-english",
    "url": "https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/08/31/russia-s-defense-ministry-says-it-is-preparing-large-scale-strikes-on-ukraine-s-energy-facilities-in-response-to-ukrainian-attacks-on-russian-infrastructure"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Russian Defense Ministry has announced it is preparing extensive strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, stating it is a response to ongoing Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian facilities and energy sectors. This announcement was made on the ministry's Telegram channel, where officials claimed these preparations were in accordance with previously received instructions. The looming winter has been cited as a reason for Ukraine's precarious position, with Ukrainian officials warning of potential difficulties due to a lack of air defense systems to counter Russian attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of addressing winter challenges during a review of energy support and the delivery of air defense missiles. Media reports suggest that Russia is escalating its military actions against Ukraine, considering targeted strikes on Kyiv and other cities, possibly utilizing conventional ballistic missiles. Russia's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, described the military response as a \"tough reaction\" to Ukrainian strikes on Russia's economic and trade infrastructure, while asserting that military escalation is not essential as Russia continues to advance.",
  "summary": "Russia’s Defense Ministry said on its Telegram channel that, “in accordance with instructions received,” it has begun preparing massive strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC News",
        "title": "Russian strikes destroy 12 million books ahead of Ukraine's first week back at school",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/russian-strikes-destroy-12-million-books-ahead-of-ukraines-first-week",
        "published": "2026-08-31T05:01:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "People Daily Kenya",
        "title": "Russian strikes destroy 12M books ahead of Ukraine’s first week back at school",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/russian-strikes-destroy-12m-books-ahead-of-ukraines-first-week-back",
        "published": "2026-08-31T07:05:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Voice of Ukraine",
        "title": "Russian forces launch Kh-59 missile, 120+ drones in overnight attack against Ukraine",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/russian-forces-launch-kh-59-missile-120-drones-in-overnight-attack",
        "published": "2026-08-31T07:10:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}