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Why is Ukraine attacking Russian energy infrastructure now?
Ukraine is targeting Russian energy facilities to weaken Russia's ability to sustain its military efforts and to disrupt fuel supplies that are vital for both civilian life and military operations. The recent strikes aim to reduce Russia's capacity to fund and support its ongoing invasion, especially as winter approaches and energy needs increase.
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How effective are Ukraine's strikes on Russian energy sites?
Ukraine's strikes have damaged nearly 40% of Russian refineries and reduced fuel supplies, which can hinder Russia's military logistics and economic stability. While Russia continues retaliatory attacks, Ukraine's efforts are seen as a strategic move to prolong the conflict and weaken Russia's war economy.
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What is Russia doing in response to Ukraine's attacks?
Russia is conducting large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure to retaliate and to try to cripple Ukraine's energy resilience. These attacks aim to disrupt Ukrainian power supplies and complicate civilian life, especially during the winter months.
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Could these attacks lead to a wider escalation?
Yes, both sides are escalating their attacks, which increases the risk of wider conflict. Ukraine's strikes target Russia's energy sector, while Russia's retaliatory strikes aim to weaken Ukraine's infrastructure, creating a cycle of escalation that could prolong the war.
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What does this mean for civilians in Ukraine and Russia?
For Ukrainians, these attacks threaten their energy supplies and winter heating, impacting daily life. For Russians, the damage to refineries and infrastructure can affect fuel availability and the economy. Both sides face increased hardship as the conflict continues to escalate.