How Russia’s Scorched-Earth Attacks Put Ukraine’s Power Grid Near Collapse

Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this winter, with strikes tripling compared to previous periods and bringing the country's power grid to the brink of total collapse. The systematic targeting of power plants, substations, and electrical facilities represents a scorched-earth strategy aimed at crippling Ukraine's ability to maintain basic services during the coldest months of the year. Ukrainian repair crews working around the clock, combined with emergency equipment and technical assistance from Western allies, have so far prevented a complete nationwide blackout. The attacks force millions of Ukrainians to endure rolling blackouts and power shortages while hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure struggle to maintain operations. Russia's intensified campaign against civilian energy systems marks a significant escalation in its tactics, directly impacting Ukraine's civilian population rather than purely military targets.