The United States will provide Ukraine with intelligence necessary to target Russia's oil, refining, and energy infrastructure, the Wall Street Journal has reported. President Donald Trump has instructed intelligence agencies to facilitate Ukraine's ability to carry out such strikes.
This move is intended to show Russian President Vladimir Putin that his only option is to negotiate peace with Ukraine, as well as to signal that Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure will receive an effective response. Recent strikes on Belgorod, which resulted in blackouts, are cited as examples of intensified Ukrainian capabilities.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to target Ukraine’s power facilities almost daily. Notably, a blackout occurred in the city of Slavutych near the Chernobyl nuclear plant, temporarily impacting nuclear safety. Such events threaten not only Ukraine but neighboring countries, including Belarus and Russia.
Commentator Vitaly Portnikov highlights that targeting key Russian cities, rather than just provincial centers, could exert significant pressure on the Kremlin. Serious damage to Russia's oil refining and energy sectors could cause economic and social upheavals domestically.
Portnikov emphasizes that force is the only language understood by Russian leadership. Coordinated US, Western, and Ukrainian action may create conditions for ending the active phase of the conflict in the coming years. Substantial losses for Russia itself could push President Putin towards realistic peace negotiations.
