Ukraine says energy attacks will decide outcome of war and shape peace talks with Russia

Ukrainian Vice‑Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal told Politico that attacks on energy infrastructure are the decisive factor in the war and will determine the shape of any future peace negotiations with Moscow. He said Ukraine’s strikes have disabled roughly 40 % of Russia’s oil‑refining capacity, creating fuel shortages across Russia.

He warned that Russia is now turning to Ukraine’s water and heating systems after having damaged more than 80 % of Ukraine’s power generation last winter, leaving electricity output at about 12 GW and causing nationwide blackouts. Shmyhal said Ukraine is reinforcing its grid with protected storage, modular generators and dispersed facilities, and hopes President Vladimir Putin will recognise that he cannot win and seek a settlement by autumn, although the Kremlin shows no sign of conceding.