Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Last winter, Russian armed forces targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure on a large scale as temperatures plummeted.
On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy took the stage to address the United Nations General Assembly, and he used his speech to issue a clear warning to Russia.
“Ukrainians understand that this winter could be very harsh for us. But in response, we will have no choice but to make it painful for Russia too,” Zelenskiy told world leaders, according to Reuters.
Zelenskiy was referring to the suspected Russian strategy of targeting heating and other critical infrastructure during winter in order to wear down the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian public.
A United Nations report published on September 21, 2026, outlined how the Russian armed forces launched “systematic waves of attacks against Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure” as temperatures plunged to minus 20°C.
The Kremlin has not explicitly said that the Russian forces will be targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure in the coming winter, but on September 12, 2026, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is targeting “everything and anything” in Ukraine in response to Ukraine’s long-range campaign targeting Russian oil and gas infrastructure on Russian soil.
While Moscow holds a vast stockpile of heavy missiles, Kyiv relies on long-range drones to strike Russian oil plants and fuel hubs. The balance remains tense.
Search for temporary pause
“That’s exactly why we say that de-escalation steps are needed before winter,” Zelenskiy said during his speech. Ukrainian diplomats hope to secure quick deals covering energy facilities and vital Black Sea shipping lanes.
Behind the scenes, diplomatic talks continue. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in New York, later noting that both sides showed interest in protecting grain and energy infrastructure.
Even so, Moscow shows little sign of backing down. Russian officials reaffirmed their commitment to full military goals, rejecting European calls for a temporary break.
Addressing the Security Council, Lavrov dismissed any pause. “Europe, whatever it thinks, just wants to get a pause, and it wants to use it to pump the Kyiv regime with weapons,” Lavrov said.
Focus on regional security
Zelenskiy also pushed for safe passage across critical shipping corridors that carry vital grain exports worldwide. He urged leaders to support a maritime agreement.
“We are waiting for Russia’s response. Ukraine is ready … to ensure safe shipping and food security in the Black Sea if Russia is ready to take real steps towards de-escalation too. We have to start somewhere,” Zelenskiy said at a side summit.
Global wheat prices have climbed in recent months, placing extra pressure on importing nations across Africa and Asia. A Black Sea agreement could bring relief to international markets before winter sets in.
