Bloomberg: Russia plans to intensify strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this winter
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Russia intends to intensify attacks on Ukraine's energy and heating infrastructure over the next six months, Bloomberg reported citing European officials. The plan follows weekend talks in Moscow and Kyiv where US envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner made no significant progress. Moscow also aims to step up hybrid attacks and political interference in Europe to weaken support for Kyiv.
Key Facts
- Russia's six-month plan includes intensified strikes on Ukraine's energy and heating infrastructure, Bloomberg reported citing European officials.
- US envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks in Moscow on September 5 and in Kyiv on September 6 without significant progress.
- Russia continues to demand full control over Ukraine's Donetsk region as part of any settlement.
- Moscow plans to intensify hybrid attacks and political interference in Europe to reduce support for Kyiv.
- The White House called the talks substantive, while the Kremlin described the situation around Ukraine settlement as difficult.
Russia's Winter Offensive Plans
Russia intends to step up attacks on Ukraine's energy and heating infrastructure over the next six months, Bloomberg reported citing European officials. The plan also includes intensifying hybrid attacks and political interference in Europe to weaken support for Kyiv. Moscow continues to insist on gaining control over the entire Donetsk region of Ukraine as part of a possible agreement. One source told Bloomberg that the Russian leadership expects to achieve a more advantageous position by next spring while maintaining the stability of the Russian economy, which is facing increasing difficulties. Another Bloomberg source said serious negotiations on resolving the conflict are unlikely until at least next year.
US Envoys' Moscow and Kyiv Talks
Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on September 5. The White House called the talks substantive, while the Kremlin characterized the situation around the war settlement as difficult. On the morning of September 6, the American representatives arrived in Kyiv by train from Poland. This was Witkoff and Kushner's first visit to Ukraine since they began working on a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Jared Kushner said after the first round that Donald Trump is 'determined to end the war and stop the loss of life,' but the Financial Times stressed that the trip did not bring breakthrough results.
Allied Response and Air Defense
Amid the possible continuation of hostilities, Ukraine's allies should prioritize the supply of air defense systems, Bloomberg sources said. European countries want to use funds under NATO's Priority List of Ukraine's Needs (PURL) initiative to purchase interceptor missiles for delivery to Kyiv. Deputy Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby said at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on September 8 that allies must be prepared for a protracted conflict and Ukraine's needs in the coming months and years.
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