A secret Russian strategy to disable Ukrainian energy and water networks during the coming freeze was obtained by Kyiv, as reported by The New York Times. The intercepted plan outlines a campaign employing as many as 1,000 missiles, drones, and glide-bombs to target the power grids of Odesa, Kharkiv, and Kyiv. Russian forces intend to reduce electricity and heating in these cities by 90% and damage water sewerage systems, including striking the electrical switchyards at the Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and South-Ukraine nuclear power plants.

The offensive is scheduled in three stages, beginning with electrical substations near the western border that facilitate European power imports. The plan then moves to strike hydro-electric plants before concluding with attacks on nuclear power facilities. The military directive's primary goal is to force critical infrastructure offline to disrupt heating and water supplies throughout the winter.