Russia's Strategic Attacks on Ukraine's Energy Grid: Zelensky Warns of Deliberate Chaos Campaign

President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of attempting to create "chaos" in Ukraine through targeted strikes on the country's energy infrastructure and railway systems, according to comments published Thursday.

In recent weeks, Moscow has intensified its aerial attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and transportation networks, continuing a pattern seen since the 2022 invasion.

"Russia's task is to create chaos and apply psychological pressure on the population through strikes on energy facilities and railways," Zelensky stated to journalists, including AFP, during a meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Zelensky announced he would be sending his prime minister and a senior sanctions advisor to the United States for discussions next week. These talks will address air defense capabilities, energy concerns, sanctions policy, potential negotiations with Russia, and the issue of frozen Russian assets.

The recent assault mirrors similar Russian bombing campaigns conducted during the winters of 2022, 2023, and 2024, which left millions of Ukrainians without power or heating for extended periods.

Zelensky's remarks came shortly after new Russian attacks damaged energy infrastructure in Odesa, a southern Black Sea region where port facilities were also targeted.

The Ukrainian president emphasized that Russian attacks this year have already placed Ukraine's gas infrastructure under "heavy pressure," warning that further strikes might force Ukraine to increase energy imports.

Ukraine has responded by intensifying its own drone and missile strikes on Russian territory. Zelensky claimed these counterattacks were producing "results" and had contributed to rising fuel prices within Russia.

"We believe that they've lost up to 20 percent of their gasoline supply –- directly as a result of our strikes," Zelensky stated, noting evidence suggesting Russia had increased imports from China and Belarus to compensate.

Ukraine recently targeted a power station in Russia's Belgorod border region, causing significant power outages.

On Thursday, the Ukrainian military reported striking additional energy facilities in southern Russia's Volgograd region, including a gas processing plant.