Russia's New Tactic Targets Kyiv's Power Grid to Cut Off Electricity

Russia is systematically attacking Kyiv's thermal power plants and key substations to cut the capital off from electricity supplied by other regions, aiming to leave it without power entirely, according to DTEK. The company says the new tactic targets infrastructure to create a bottleneck that blocks sufficient electricity delivery to Kyiv. DTEK stated that repair crews from Ukrenergo and DTEK are working together to restore damaged equipment and return power to residents, with efforts focused on improving predictability for the public. Russia has shifted from striking substations and generation to targeting critical sections of main power lines where backup power is hardest to arrange quickly. Repair work is slowed by security risks, including repeated strikes on repair sites and prolonged air raid alerts that limit crews to short work windows. Talks are ongoing with international allies for additional equipment and materials for emergency reserves, following a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv's energy infrastructure on October 14.