In the early hours of October 5, 2025, Russia launched a large-scale aerial operation against Ukraine, deploying fifty-three ballistic and cruise missiles along with nearly five hundred drones. The assault affected nine Ukrainian regions, including Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kherson, Kharkiv, and Odesa. Lviv experienced its most intense aerial attack since the beginning of the war in February 2022. The strikes resulted in the deaths of at least five civilians, including a family of four in Lviv, and caused widespread power outages, leaving tens of thousands without electricity.

Targeting Civilian Infrastructure

Russian Defence Ministry representatives stated that the attacks aimed at military-industrial and energy facilities. Ukrainian officials, however, expressed that the strikes deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure. Among the damaged sites were residential buildings, an oncology treatment centre, and a business complex in Lviv. Public transportation suffered major disruptions, and large areas were plunged into darkness due to damaged power grids. The strikes not only destroyed infrastructure but also heightened fear among civilians, particularly in regions far from active combat zones.

Strategic Intentions Behind the Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attacks as an effort to destroy vital civilian infrastructure ahead of winter, depriving citizens of essential services such as heat, light, and water. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko referred to the strikes as attempts to instil fear and panic before the onset of colder months. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stressed that purchasing Russian energy indirectly supports war crimes, further deepening the conflict. These remarks underline the strategic dimension of the strikes, which extend beyond immediate military objectives to broader efforts to weaken civilian resilience and morale.

Ukraine’s Counterattacks on Russian Energy Infrastructure

In retaliation, Ukraine intensified its own operations against Russian energy facilities. Ukrainian drone strikes recently targeted key oil refineries in Russia, including the Kirishi refinery near St Petersburg. These attacks inflicted significant damage and fires, leading to a ten percent drop in gasoline production and a twenty percent shortfall in supply. As a consequence, Russia introduced fuel rationing and extended a nationwide ban on gasoline and diesel exports. These countermeasures reflect a deepening strategy to weaken the opponent’s energy capabilities and create reciprocal pressure.

International Reactions and Calls for Support

The growing intensity of the conflict has drawn deep concern from the international community. Ukrainian leaders have urged Western allies, particularly the United States and the European Union, to accelerate the delivery of advanced air defence systems, including Patriot missile systems. They have also called for tougher sanctions on Russia to limit its ability to continue such operations. Ukrainian officials underline that stronger defence capabilities are crucial to protect civilians and reduce the impact of sustained aerial assaults.

Conclusion

The October 5 attack signals a significant escalation in the ongoing war, with both sides intensifying strikes on energy infrastructure. This conflict reveals how warfare now extends beyond battlefields into civilian life, affecting basic needs and survival. With winter approaching, the vulnerability of civilians grows, making international support and decisive action vital to prevent further escalation and avert a worsening humanitarian crisis.