Russia will intensify attacks on Ukraine’s power plants and gas fields: Portnikov names Moscow’s goal

Russian president Vladimir Putin is continuing his escalatory course, which has visibly intensified following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska.

The statement was made by Ukrainian publicist Vitaliy Portnikov.

He analysed Russia’s systematic strikes on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.

Systematic destruction of energy infrastructure and dismissal of talks

Portnikov emphasizes that Russia has shifted from targeted strikes to a concerted effort to dismantle Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Attacks, now occurring almost daily across various cities, recently hit the capital, zeroing in on thermal power plants and gas fields. This, he warns, could cause serious problems for Ukraine in winter, creating the risk of an «energy famine».

He stressed that these massive attacks are taking place amid Western calls for peace and negotiations — proposals Putin openly ignores. According to Portnikov, there are two reasons for this: first, Moscow’s disbelief in Western influence, and second, Putin’s conviction that any talks can only concern Ukraine’s capitulation and eventual disappearance.

Putin’s goal: a land unfit for life

According to the Portnikov, Putin’s main objective is to turn Ukraine into «a territory unfit for normal life». Strikes on the energy sector are meant to instil a lasting sense of despair among Ukrainians and force them to give up.

However, the motivation goes beyond demoralising society. The Kremlin seeks to destroy the economy and leave Ukraine without real prospects for recovery — to make it a cautionary example for countries that resist Moscow.

Portnikov also noted that Russia aims to trigger a new wave of emigration. The fewer Ukrainians remain, the greater Russia’s chances of preserving its geopolitical influence.

Countering escalation: breaking the dragon’s foul fangs

Portnikov emphasised that talks and persuasion will not stop this escalation. As recent months have shown, negotiations are doomed to fail.

The only effective way to counter Russia, he said, is to weaken its own military and energy potential.

«You don’t make peace with a dragon. Even if you can’t cut off its head, you can at least break its foul fangs, ” Portnikov concluded.

He added that Ukraine’s strikes on Russian military facilities and oil refineries are already forcing the Kremlin to be more cautious and making the war more costly.

If Ukraine receives long-range missiles, he warned, Russia could lose a significant share of its economic potential — the only right approach to an aggressor.