Ukraine is heading for a hard winter. Putin thinks it will break them — that’s his mistake

Published September 25, 2026 8:00am ET



Winter has not been cancelled. Russia is preparing another campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has said so openly.

“In response to strikes against Russia, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have been instructed to prepare and carry out massive strikes against Ukraine’s energy facilities,” Putin said, adding: “If they strike us, they will receive a response.”

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