The aggressor state Russia is considering the option of attacking strategic objects of Ukraine’s energy system in order to force the signing of unacceptable capitulation demands to end the war.

This was stated by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

According to HUR, these are electricity transmission substations that ensure the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

“As part of its pressure campaign, Moscow also plans to intensify intimidation of European countries and the West as a whole in order to restrain support for Ukraine, in particular our ability to repel Russia’s terrorist air strikes against critical energy infrastructure”, — DIU stated.

It is noted that by destroying or disabling these substations, Moscow seeks to disconnect NPP power units from Ukraine’s integrated power system, so that civilian Ukrainians would be left totally without electricity and heat.

According to intelligence data, as of mid-January 2025, Russia had conducted reconnaissance of ten such critical energy infrastructure facilities in nine regions of Ukraine.

“The Kremlin’s intentions to attack substations in order to destroy generation at Ukraine’s nuclear power plants in this hybrid manner once again testify to the genocidal nature of Russia’s war against Ukraine”, — DIU emphasized.