Ukraine’s energy system remains Russia’s primary target in air attacks – UK Defence Intelligence

UK intelligence has analysed the patterns in Russia's air attacks on Ukraine in January and February 2026 and says energy infrastructure remains the primary target.

Source: European Pravda, citing a UK Defence Intelligence update dated 19 February on X (Twitter)

Details: UK Defence Intelligence said Russia used about 4,400 attack drones against Ukraine in January 2026, slightly fewer than 5,100 in December, which it attributes to poorer weather conditions in January 2026.

In the first two weeks of February, drone launches rose again to an average of about 190 a day, compared with about 140 a day in January. From 28 January to 2 February, there was a pause in strikes on energy infrastructure that was observed by both sides.

Ukraine's energy facilities have been Russia's main targets since October 2025. Russia used over 20,000 attack drones and more than 300 cruise missiles against such targets, seeking systematically to destroy Ukraine's power grid and heat generation capacity.

Russia made much more extensive use of ballistic missiles this winter, which may have helped it to make up for problems using cruise missiles launched from Tu-95 aircraft.

Quote: "Any pause in this missile usage allows Russia to build its stocks for future strikes with its primary target almost certain to remain energy critical national infrastructure."

Background:

• European intelligence services have previously expressed doubt that the Russo-Ukrainian war will end in 2026.
• The European Commission has said EU energy assistance helped provide electricity to about 9 million Ukrainians.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!