Russia is relying on energy terror to force Kyiv to make concessions. But this strategy has a time limit, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
By destroying Ukraine’s energy supplies, Russia wants to force Kyiv to make concessions. According to Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence service, fear of a collapse of the energy system is a powerful way to exert pressure, especially before winter.
Budanow: The effects only lasted until February
“The threat to destroy our energy supplies before winter has maximum impact – both on Ukrainian society and our Western partners,” Budanov said, according to RBC.
However, he emphasized that this influence was temporary and only lasted until the end of winter in February. Therefore, Russia is trying to immediately convey its demands for an end to the war according to its terms in order to take advantage of this period.
Russia attacks almost every day
Just yesterday, Russia attacked various energy facilities in Ukraine with 48 missiles and 470 drones. The current breakdown is causing hourly power outages in the country. Residential buildings were also shelled.
In Ternopil, two nine-story houses were badly damaged. The affected missile was identified by the Ukrainian Air Force as a Ch-101 cruise missile. This missile was launched by a strategic bomber over Russian territory.
Many civilians have become victims of Russian air strikes
The UN has counted more than 14,000 civilian casualties in Ukraine since the start of the war ordered by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. These are only confirmed cases; the actual number is thought to be much higher.
