In October, Russia launched more missiles at Ukraine than in any month since at least early 2023, as revealed by an analysis of Ukrainian data from AFP.

These Russian attacks have led to widespread blackouts that have impacted tens of thousands of individuals, with Moscow targeting Ukraine’s power infrastructure for the fourth consecutive winter. Kyiv and its allies describe this as a calculated and ruthless tactic aimed at exhausting the civilian population of Ukraine.

According to AFP’s analysis based on daily data released by Ukraine’s air force, Russia’s military fired 270 missiles in October, representing a 46% increase compared to September. This figure marks the highest monthly total since Ukraine began regularly reporting these statistics at the start of 2023.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of trying to instigate “chaos” by relentlessly attacking the country’s energy infrastructure. In a press briefing last month, Zelensky stated, “Russia’s objective is to generate disorder and exert psychological pressure on the populace through assaults on energy facilities and rail systems,” addressing journalists including those from AFP.

As in previous winters, rolling blackouts have been implemented across every region, including Kyiv, throughout October to manage electricity shortages.

Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague issued arrest warrants last year for high-ranking Russian military officials accused of inflicting severe harm on civilians by targeting Ukrainian energy installations.

In October, Russia also launched 5,298 long-range drones at Ukraine, marking a decrease of about six percent from the previous month, yet still close to record levels. Daily drone strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy targets continue unabated.

In response, Kyiv has conducted strikes on Russian oil storage facilities and refineries, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s critical energy exports and incite fuel shortages throughout Russia.