Russia Plans Month-Long Strikes to Cut Power, Water, and Heating in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa

Russia has prepared a plan to disable Ukraine's energy system within one month, cutting off Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa from electricity, water, and heating supplies, according to an intercepted plan reported by The New York Times. The plan estimates Russia would need about 70 ballistic missiles, 720 long-range drones, and 150 guided bombs to achieve this, roughly matching the monthly volume that currently penetrates Ukrainian air defenses. Ukraine's Patriot interceptor shortage underpins Russian confidence, and Kyiv has requested more air-defense systems and air-to-air missiles from partners. If successful, the strikes would eliminate 90% of electricity capacity in the three cities, reduce heating by 90%, and severely disrupt water and sewage systems. Ukraine has proposed limited ceasefires on energy or port infrastructure, but Russia has refused, while the UK is sending additional Storm Shadow missiles to help counter such operations.