Ukraine is expanding the range of targets it strikes inside Russia, shifting from oil refineries to energy infrastructure. Military expert Yuri Knutov believes the attacks on power substations shortly before the State Duma elections are intended to fuel public discontent.

According to Knutov, the targets include substations that supply electricity to relatively large population centers. He linked the choice of these facilities directly to the approaching vote, which is only days away. The expert also said similar attacks could continue after the elections.

Knutov separately addressed ways of protecting energy infrastructure from Ukrainian drones. In his view, substations could be surrounded with stone blocks. He said such barriers would not protect the facilities from missile strikes but could provide protection against drones.

The Telegram channel Arkhangely Spetsnaza also reported on September 17 that the nature of the attacks was changing. According to the channel, the adversary has begun striking substations in mainland Russia. Its authors suggested that the tactic previously used in Crimea may now be expanding to other Russian regions.