Moscow: Russia said on Sunday that it was preparing large attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in response to strikes by Kyiv on civilian facilities and Russia’s oil and energy sites, Reuters reported.
The Russian Defence Ministry said its forces had started preparing strikes on energy facilities across Ukraine. It accused Ukraine of continuing attacks on civilian infrastructure and Russia’s oil and energy sector.
Last winter, Russian attacks badly damaged Ukraine’s power system. Repeated strikes on power plants left millions of people without electricity and heating during freezing weather.
Russia and Ukraine have increased long-range attacks in recent months. The strikes have hit warehouses, businesses, oil facilities, ports and ships. They have also led to more civilian deaths.
The Russian army said it had struck a plant in Kyiv that makes asbestos and cement. It claimed explosives were stored in warehouses at the facility. Russia also said it had attacked a factory that produces drones and ammunition.
A Russian strike on an ammunition depot near Kyiv on Saturday caused a huge explosion. Ukrainian officials said at least 37 people were killed.
Ukraine, meanwhile, used drones to attack an oil refinery in northwestern Russia. The attack caused a fire, local authorities said.
