• Ukraine introduces nationwide rolling power cuts due to intensified Russian attacks.
• Russian military actions have severely damaged gas production and electricity infrastructure.
• Ukrainian officials urge allies for increased air defense and energy support amid winter threats.

Following a series of intense Russian strikes, Ukraine has initiated nationwide rolling power cuts, affecting all regions except for two, due to severe damage to its energy infrastructure. Ukraine's energy ministry confirmed that these emergency measures became necessary as the country braces for a challenging winter. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the ongoing attacks, stating, "This autumn, the Russians use every single day to strike at our energy infrastructure," as the situation left major cities, including Kyiv, experiencing significant blackouts, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and LA Times.

Recent Russian military operations have notably targeted gas infrastructure, necessitating an increase in imports for winter preparation. The Ukrainian state energy company Naftogaz detailed that operations at several key gas facilities have been forced to suspend due to repeated attacks, leaving the country scrambling to secure additional energy supplies. "We are forced to cover through imports," said Sergii Koretskyi, announcing that gas production was severely impacted, which is critical as Ukraine approaches winter months, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

As the severity of the attacks escalates—reported to include over 300 drones and 37 missiles launched in a single night—Ukrainian officials are appealing for more air defense systems and assistance from Western allies. Zelensky's visit to the U.S. includes discussions about securing essential military support to strengthen defenses against Russian assaults on critical energy infrastructure, highlighting fears of a "very tough, very difficult winter," according to Reuters, LA Times, and Channel News Asia.

The strategic targeting of energy assets is viewed as part of a larger plan by Russia to undermine Ukraine’s capabilities ahead of winter, a tactic that officials describe as "weaponizing winter." Reports indicate that nearly 60 percent of Ukraine's gas production has already been halted, significantly impacting everyday life and the economy, with authorities urging citizens to conserve energy use amidst widespread blackouts across the nation, according to Reuters and LA Times.