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Ukraine’s energy chief warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants winter attacks to exhaust Ukrainians and force Kyiv into capitulation as both sides escalate energy strikes.
Russia’s Winter Strategy Targets Civilian Resilience
“Putin wants to finish off our energy system and derail our economy and weapons production,” Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal told Politico on Monday. “He also hopes in winter our society will break from exhaustion, and pressure leadership to sign the surrender.”
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Shmyhal compared the campaign to “the 12th round,” with each boxer waiting for the other to fall. Kyiv has intensified attacks on Russian refineries and export infrastructure, worsening fuel shortages. Reuters reported that nearly 40% of Russia’s refining capacity could remain offline for two months, while Moscow has restricted fuel exports.
Russia continues striking Ukraine’s grid. Reuters reported that attacks during the 2025-2026 winter damaged more than half of its generating capacity and produced blackouts lasting 14 to 16 hours in Kyiv. Shmyhal said Moscow now aims to destroy water systems because “it is difficult to survive for more than three days without water and sewage.”
Kyiv Seeks Patriots As Missile Threat Grows
Volodymyr Zelenskyy used his Washington visit to press Donald Trump and senators for anti-ballistic systems and Patriot PAC-3 interceptors. He has sought an emergency package of 300 missiles, warning that limited U.S. production could trigger an interceptor “crisis.”
Reuters reported that Trump later said Washington had not agreed to license Ukrainian Patriot production, despite earlier Ukrainian statements about a political understanding. Kyiv has met Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Corp. representatives about supplies and co-production.
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The urgency grew after a July Russian barrage involving 27 ballistic missiles and 185 drones killed 10 people. Ukraine intercepted only one ballistic missile as Patriot stocks ran low.
Ukraine Builds Defenses For Another Winter
Kyiv is also shielding power, gas and water facilities while deploying modular boilers and generators that are harder to destroy. The Energy Community said partners had routed €1.95 billion ($2.24 billion) through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund by late June. Shmyhal said Ukraine still needs €500 million ($575 million) for winter equipment reserves and €400 million ($460 million) to help Naftogaz recover.
“He will bleed, but he will drag us into the winter,” Shmyhal said. “My optimism is that we will survive this winter; we are ready for it.”
Image via Shutterstock
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