Russia plans month of strikes to cut power in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa

Russia plans to disable Ukraine's energy system and force its complete capitulation this winter by cutting off power, heat, and water to Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa, according to an intercepted plan reported by The New York Times. The Kremlin estimates that about 70 ballistic missiles, 720 long-range drones, and 150 guided bombs would be needed for a month of concentrated strikes, matching the average monthly volume that penetrates Ukrainian air defenses. Ukrainian officials acknowledge the risk is the highest since the full-scale invasion began. Key vulnerabilities include exhausted air defenses, a shortage of American Patriot interceptor missiles, and new Russian jet-powered drones that are harder to shoot down. On October 14, Ukraine intercepted only 4 of 39 ballistic missiles. Kyiv is urgently developing its own interceptors and pressing Western allies for immediate additional air defense systems.