Russia has expanded the list of targets for attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure: ISW names the aggressor's goal

The Russian occupation forces may have expanded the set of targets for strikes on Ukraine's critical infrastructure by intensifying their attacks on hydroelectric power plants. This new tactic by the aggressor country, aimed at attacking Ukrainian dams and hydroelectric power plants, is a significant breakthrough and escalation of Russia's campaign of attacks against Ukraine.

This was stated by analysts of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Thus, during the attacks that took place on March 28-29, Russian troops fired at the Kaniv and Dniester hydroelectric power plants in Cherkasy and Chernivtsi regions, respectively.

Ukrainian officials also reported that Russian strikes targeted unspecified critical infrastructure in Ivano-Frankivsk and Dnipro regions, while Russian bloggers claimed that Russian troops had hit the Kryvyi Rih and Seredniodniprovska hydroelectric power plants in the Dnipro region. In addition, Russian attacks on March 22 severely damaged the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant in Zaporizhzhia, likely forcing it to be shut down for some time.

Earlier, the ISW noted that Russian attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine may be aimed at deteriorating the country's defense and industrial potential. In addition, the Institute pointed out that Russian troops are likely trying to take advantage of Ukraine's shortage of anti-aircraft missiles for a new attempt to destroy Ukraine's energy grid.

"Russia's new scheme to target Ukraine's dams and hydroelectric power plants is a significant shift and escalation in Russia's campaign of strikes against Ukraine. Russian troops have not previously launched sustained missile strikes against Ukrainian dams and hydroelectric power plants," analysts say.

At the same time, the United States and European countries continue to refrain from providing Ukraine with material resources that could be of strategic or operational importance and contribute to Ukraine's significant military efforts. This is done in view of the possibility of an escalation of the conflict by Russia and out of fear of its retaliation.

As a reminder, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that on the night of March 29, the aggressor tried to hit the Kaniv and Dniester hydroelectric power plants, threatening not only Ukraine but also Moldova.

As reported, around four in the morning on March 29, Russia attacked Ukraine with Shahed drones, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles. Energy facilities and civilian infrastructure came under attack. Poland scrambled its fighter jets.

It should be noted that the air defense forces destroyed 84 out of 99 targets. Twenty-six missiles of various types and 58 UAVs were shot down, some of the enemy missiles flew over 2,000 kilometers.

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