Russian forces could focus new large-scale strikes on parts of Ukraine’s energy system that directly support industry and the defense sector. Generals cited power generation facilities, substations, transmission lines and fuel supply infrastructure among the most likely targets.

Retired Russian Major General Vladimir Popov, an honored military pilot, said generating capacity would likely be a primary focus. Transformer substations are also critical because they distribute electricity from power plants to consumers and help move power between regions.

High-voltage transmission lines represent another vulnerable part of the system. Popov pointed in particular to sections crossing rivers, lakes, hilly terrain and other areas where repair work would be more difficult after damage, aif.ru reported.

Fuel supply routes could also become a separate target set. Power generation depends on regular deliveries of coal, gas and oil, and disruption of those flows could affect the operation of energy facilities. Popov said that if such strikes begin in September and cause substantial damage, Ukraine could lose part of the fuel reserves accumulated over the summer, while preparations for the cold season could be delayed until freezing temperatures arrive.

The consequences could spread across several sectors, including the remaining Ukrainian defense industry. Popov argued that factory shutdowns would also hurt Kiev economically by reducing revenue from foreign customers. He added that prolonged disruption could influence public sentiment among those who remain in the country.

Sergey Lipovoy, chairman of the presidium of the Officers of Russia organization, Hero of Russia and retired major general, also identified infrastructure supplying resources to the defense sector as a priority.

He stressed that the objective is not to destroy the entire energy network. According to Lipovoy, strikes are selected to reduce the military potential of the Ukrainian Armed Forces while avoiding damage to the population and civilian electricity supplies.

Russian forces had already struck military facilities during the winter of 2025–2026, when blackouts affected several Ukrainian regions and damaged infrastructure had to be restored. Popov described that period as a «trial run,» arguing that Russian forces were still concentrating heavily on other targets at the time.

He now believes the pattern of operations is changing. August strikes in the Odessa region were cited as an example: several key substations and the Odessa thermal power plant were knocked out in a single attack, restricting the operation of industry, port infrastructure and logistics.