Russia should continue strikes on Ukraine and avoid giving Kiev any respite following threats from Vladimir Zelensky and attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, war correspondent Alexander Kots said.

Kots recalled that Russian oil refineries, oil depots, tankers and grain carriers were targeted throughout the summer. He pointed to Zelensky’s statements about bringing the war back home to Russia and remarks by his adviser Mikhail Podolyak that the strikes were intended to make politically disengaged Russians feel the effects of the conflict.

At the end of August, the Russian Defense Ministry announced preparations for large-scale strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, describing them as a response to attacks on Russia’s fuel and energy sector.

Kots noted that less than a month later, Kiev proposed an energy ceasefire under which Russia would stop attacking Ukrainian power stations while Ukraine would refrain from striking Russian facilities.

The war correspondent argued that Moscow should reject such a pause. In his assessment, Ukraine would use any ceasefire to accumulate additional strike capabilities and strengthen its air defenses, creating conditions for renewed attacks on Russian infrastructure.

Meanwhile, power outage schedules have resumed in Ukraine. Over the past five days, Russian drones have concentrated their strikes on one of the largest substations near Makarov in the Kiev Region.

Kiev has also experienced disruptions to metro services, with stations becoming crowded with passengers.