Russia’s defense ministry confirmed on Sunday that Moscow’s forces had struck Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities that the Kremlin considers part of the Ukrainian military complex, according to the RIA news agency.
Recently, Kyiv responded to Russian attacks by striking Russia’s Bashneft oil refinery in Ufa, located 1,300 kilometers east of Moscow, a person in Ukraine’s SBU security service told Reuters on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Financial Times reported that U.S. intelligence has for months been helping Ukraine strike energy facilities in Russian territory, citing Ukrainian and U.S. officials. This assistance has enabled Ukraine to target Russia’s critical energy infrastructure, driving up energy prices and forcing Russia to reduce its diesel exports, according to the FT report.
Meanwhile, efforts are under way to restore power in Kyiv, where 800,000 residents reportedly regained access to electricity on Saturday following Russia’s attacks.