Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Power Grid Amid U.S. Missile Aid Concerns

Published: October 13, 2025, 22:05 EDT

Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of the winter season, targeting key power facilities across multiple regions. The renewed offensive coincides with Moscow’s warning over the potential U.S. delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv — a move it described as “extremely concerning.”

Energy Facilities Targeted in Overnight Strikes

Ukraine’s Energy Ministry reported that critical power infrastructure was struck in the regions of Donetsk, Odesa, and Chernihiv overnight. In the Kyiv region, two employees of DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, were injured when Russian missiles hit a local substation, regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk confirmed.

Ukrainian officials said the coordinated strikes were part of a broader Russian campaign to weaken the country’s energy grid ahead of colder months — a tactic that has become a recurring element of Moscow’s strategy during the war.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the escalation, saying on X (formerly Twitter) that Russia continues its “aerial terror” campaign against Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.

Zelenskyy Urges Sanctions on Russian Oil Buyers

In his statement, Zelenskyy called for tighter sanctions and coordinated action against countries and companies purchasing Russian oil, arguing that such transactions indirectly fund the war.

“Sanctions, tariffs, and joint actions against the buyers of Russian oil — those who finance this war — must all remain on the table,” Zelenskyy wrote.

He added that Ukraine’s leadership remains in close contact with the United States and other allies to reinforce its defense and energy sectors.

Talks With Trump on Air Defense and Energy Support

Zelenskyy said he held a “very productive” phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, following an earlier conversation over the weekend. According to Zelenskyy, the leaders discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, improving resilience, and enhancing long-range strike potential.

The discussions also covered “details related to the energy sector,” which has suffered extensive damage from repeated Russian bombardments.

The Kremlin, meanwhile, expressed alarm over reports that the U.S. might provide Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles — long-range precision weapons capable of striking deep inside Russian territory. Moscow warned that such a move would represent a “major escalation” in Western involvement in the conflict.

Wider Context: Russia’s Renewed Winter Strategy

Analysts say the latest attacks fit Russia’s broader pattern of targeting Ukraine’s energy systems before winter, aiming to undermine civilian morale and pressure Kyiv into concessions.

According to Ukrainian officials, Russian forces have launched over 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, and 1,360 glide bombs over the past week alone. The scale of these attacks suggests a significant uptick in Russia’s aerial campaign after months of relative stalemate along the front lines.

Ukraine’s Energy Ministry has warned that restoring full power capacity may take months, as repair crews work under constant threat of renewed strikes. Emergency blackouts have been reported in several regions, including parts of Odesa and Dnipro.

International Reactions and Ongoing Support

The United States and European Union have reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense and energy stability. While Washington has not confirmed whether Tomahawk missiles will be included in future aid packages, U.S. officials have indicated that discussions on advanced weapon systems are ongoing.

European leaders have also pledged additional funding to assist in rebuilding damaged infrastructure and to help prevent large-scale energy shortages this winter.

Russia, for its part, insists its strikes target only “military and strategic facilities,” a claim Kyiv and Western governments strongly dispute.

Humanitarian Concerns and Outlook

The latest wave of attacks has heightened humanitarian concerns across Ukraine, where millions rely on an already fragile power grid. The United Nations has urged all parties to avoid targeting essential civilian infrastructure, warning that energy shortages could exacerbate displacement and health crises during the winter months.

Despite the ongoing bombardment, Ukrainian officials say repair efforts are continuing “around the clock.” Energy workers, often operating under fire, are being hailed as “frontline defenders” of the country’s resilience.

As the conflict enters its third winter, both sides appear entrenched, with peace prospects dim. Yet Ukraine’s leadership continues to stress that sustained international pressure — particularly through sanctions and military assistance — remains essential to counter Russia’s campaign.