The main targets were critical infrastructure facilities (energy sector) in Kharkiv and Poltava regions. According to monitoring channels, Russia fired six Iskander missiles at Lubny and Lokhvytsia. Another 20 cruise missiles targeted Poltava, Lubny, and several communities in Kharkiv region.As a result of the strikes in Poltava region, several gas production facilities were forced to halt operations.Strikes on storage facilities and distribution stations are no coincidence but a sign of the Kremlin’s new tactics ahead of winter. These attacks now happen regularly and aim to disrupt preparations for the heating season and cause gas supply problems for Ukrainians during the cold months.This is a direct assault on Ukraine’s gas industry, which plays a key role in power generation. Recently, the enemy also struck substations in Sumy, Dnipro, and Kherson, causing outages and damage to infrastructure.Particularly telling is that these attacks occur right before the start of the heating season. The occupying country is trying to create extra hardships for civilians, provoke chaos, and fuel discontent with the Ukrainian government at all levels. In effect, this is an attempt to destabilize areas under Kyiv’s control.Protecting gas storage sites and energy facilities is much harder than shielding military or administrative buildings. This challenge is not unique to Ukraine: Moscow itself struggles to defend its oil depots and gas terminals from drone strikes.It is likely that Russian forces will intensify strikes on energy extraction and storage facilities. Poltava region, a center of oil and gas production, is a likely target, as are western regions that serve as logistics hubs for transport.In my view, Ukraine’s defense should be more than adequate — it requires a mirror response.If Russians attack our energy facilities, we must strike theirs in return. And Ukraine has the means: recent events proved that Russian air defense is extremely ineffective and unable to stop mass drone and missile attacks.Currently, Ukraine has stepped up strikes against Russian oil and gas infrastructure, aiming to trigger fuel shortages and disrupt oil exports to Europe. Western intelligence estimates record levels — over 30 Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries, depots, and pipelines.However, such strikes should carry not only military but also symbolic weight. For example, an attack on the Crimean Bridge is a way to strip Russia of its ability to target Ukrainian logistics. The same applies to strikes on government quarters — there should be an appropriate response against the dictator’s residences, which are also within Ukraine’s reach.Two years ago, energy strikes forced Ukrainians to endure blackouts. Theoretically, the same could happen with gas. Any hit on storage facilities or distribution stations is a serious challenge. Repairs take days, and if attacks occur in the middle of the heating season, consequences could be critical. Hence, the risk of “gas blackouts” is real, especially since Russians are targeting storage and stations, not just production sites.According to ACLED analysts on Europe and Central Asia, these strikes come as Russia intensifies its offensive in eastern Ukraine, despite claims of readiness for talks. With Ukraine’s natural gas reserves shrinking ahead of winter, attacks on the gas industry are part of Russia’s broader campaign to force Ukraine into capitulation by inflicting severe suffering on civilians — a tactic Moscow has pursued throughout the war.Meanwhile, Ukraine is gradually strengthening its air and missile defense. For example, Denmark’s $8.5 billion contract includes six Patriot batteries, which will significantly bolster the protection of energy infrastructure.Special for EspresoAbout the author: Dmytro Sniehyrov, military expert, co-head of the NGO Prava Sprava.The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed in authors’ blogs.