Kyiv, Ukraine — In the early hours of Friday morning, Russian forces launched a devastating assault on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, unleashing dozens of missiles and drones across the country. The barrage targeted key energy and gas production facilities, severely impacting Ukraine’s ability to provide heat, electricity, and fuel to vital weapons factories. At least 10 people were reported wounded in the attacks, which also damaged residential areas.
The attack comes just days after the U.S. government suspended its military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, significantly weakening the country’s ability to defend itself and respond to Russian bombardment. The suspension includes a halt on Ukrainian access to unclassified satellite imagery previously used for reconnaissance and military strategy.
The U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency confirmed that it had “temporarily suspended” access to satellite images, a move that reflects the Biden administration’s shift in support for Ukraine amid growing pressure from former President Donald Trump. In a rare, televised meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week, Trump raised doubts about Ukraine’s commitment to ending the war and questioned the U.S. role in continuing to provide support.
The absence of U.S. intelligence has left Ukraine vulnerable, especially given Russia’s ongoing and aggressive campaign to destroy its energy grid. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko condemned the attack, calling it a direct assault on ordinary Ukrainians. “Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by striking energy and gas production facilities, with the goal of leaving us without light and heat, and causing the greatest harm to our citizens,” Halushchenko posted on Facebook.
The Russian strikes also targeted military-industrial complexes, including natural gas extraction sites. Ukraine’s air force reported that it intercepted 34 missiles and shot down over 100 drones, but a significant number of Russian projectiles still made it through, causing widespread damage. In a show of resilience, Ukraine deployed French-made Mirage-2000 fighter jets, recently delivered to the country, for the first time to defend against the onslaught.
Maxar Technologies, which has provided satellite imagery to Ukraine, confirmed that the U.S. government decision to suspend Ukrainian access was in line with official directives. The imagery has been crucial for Ukraine in planning counterattacks and monitoring Russian movements since the war began in February 2022.
Meanwhile, the impact of Russia’s continued bombardment is felt beyond the frontlines. Ukraine’s largest private gas producer, DTEK, reported that its facilities in the Odesa region were hit during the assault, marking the sixth attack in less than three weeks. The company’s plants in other regions were also damaged in the strike.
The situation is dire as Ukrainian forces continue to face overwhelming pressure from Russia’s larger military presence along the frontlines. With a 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) stretch of land under siege, Ukrainian forces are stretched thin, struggling to repel Russian advances while keeping the country’s infrastructure intact.
European Union leaders, recognizing the urgent need to bolster their own defenses, agreed on a plan to increase military spending significantly, aware that the war’s protracted nature may require more sustained efforts to support Ukraine. In parallel, the U.S. government has signaled its intent to further intensify economic pressure on Russia, with Trump suggesting additional sanctions could be forthcoming.
As the conflict drags on, President Zelenskyy has sought international support for his peace proposals, which include halting attacks on civilian infrastructure and a ceasefire in the Black Sea to allow for safe shipping. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed support for these initiatives, urging both sides to take steps toward immediate de-escalation.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, however, dismissed the notion of a ceasefire, insisting that attacking energy infrastructure is a legitimate military objective given its ties to Ukraine’s weapons production.
Next week, officials from both the U.S. and Ukraine will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss potential steps toward ending the war. With the battlefield increasingly stalemated and the toll on civilians mounting, both sides continue to search for a path to peace, even as Russia escalates its assault on Ukraine’s energy grid in an effort to undermine its resolve.
As winter looms, the strategic significance of these energy strikes grows, potentially creating a harsh environment for Ukrainians and complicating their military efforts.
