Russia changed tactics on attacking Ukraine's energy system, losses are worse than last year

The Russian Federation has shifted its tactics in attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Losses have escalated beyond those suffered during the massive strikes of 2022-2023, according to the Financial Times.
Instead of widespread shelling, the militants have focused on precision missile strikes on power stations in less defended regions. Some of these stations may not be restored before the next winter.
According to Ukrainian officials, the damages inflicted by Russia are not as extensive but are worse than those in the winters of 2022-2023.
From March 22 to 29, Russia targeted seven thermal power plants and two hydroelectric power stations. However, energy facilities in Kyiv remain untouched by the Russians due to the capital's robust air defense system.
"Ukraine did not provide details on the extent of damage at each power plant, but officials said that some, including those in Kharkiv Oblast near the Russian border, were almost completely destroyed," adds the publication.
Maria Tsaturian, head of communications at Ukrenergo, noted that Russians are deploying the same number of missiles against five to six energy targets in one region as they did during the mass strikes in 2022-2023. While Ukrenergo can protect smaller substations with defensive structures, large power stations require months or even years to restore.
Another difference from last year's attacks is that Russia has begun using expensive precision ballistic missiles. Andrii Herus, chairman of Ukraine's parliamentary committee on energy and utilities, revealed that during a recent attack on a coal power station, Russians used ballistic missiles worth $100 million.
According to Ukrainian military intelligence representative Andri Cherniak, the enemy also employs a large number of UAVs as a cheaper means of targeting, such as transformers.
Chernyak said that Ukraine expected attacks at the beginning of winter, but now it's become known that the missiles they used were just recently manufactured.