Former Head of Ukrenergo Explained Whether It Is Possible to Shut Down Moscow's Power System

Former head of Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytskyi explained whether Ukrainian forces can provoke mass emergency outages of electricity in Moscow. He said this in an interview with Dilo.

“Regarding Moscow, its energy system is roughly equal in its potential to Ukraine’s energy system before the invasion. It is a fairly large and powerful energy hub. In order for Moscow’s electricity sector to feel a significant effect, it is enough to strike 20–30 targets,” Kudrytskyi said.

He noted that the discussion concerns the city’s backbone substations and main power plants that supply the city, as well as certain substations that connect Moscow’s energy hub with nuclear power plants.

“Thus, having long-range weapons and missile armament, you can calmly play this game together,” added the former head of Ukrenergo.

He also noted that Russian energy specialists do not have the preparation for defense and, most importantly, the practice and experience of restoration that exist in Ukraine.

Energy truce

As a reminder, 14 in September, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia had agreed not to attack energy facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said that Kyiv was ready to take such a step provided that partners could ensure real adherence to the agreement by Russia.

Earlier, Trump urged to stop strikes on oil refineries, saying that Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refining infrastructure contribute to diesel shortages and rising prices.

The topic of mutual cessation of strikes on the energy sector had come up before. At the beginning of 2026, Zelensky confirmed discussions of an energy truce, stressing that its real implementation could be judged only by the actual absence of attacks on energy facilities. As of 23, the announced energy truce had not taken effect.