Recent intelligence from the United Kingdom indicates a significant escalation in Russia’s use of drones to target Ukraine, particularly in the energy sector. In early February 2026, Russia reportedly increased its daily drone launches, averaging around 190 per day, compared to approximately 140 in January.
In January, Russia launched about 4,400 drones against Ukrainian targets, a decrease from around 5,100 in December, likely due to adverse weather conditions. Following a brief pause in energy strikes from January 28 to February 2, Russia resumed extensive attacks on February 3, focusing on critical energy infrastructure.
The British Ministry of Defence noted that since October 2025, Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine’s energy facilities, deploying over 20,000 drones and more than 300 long-range missiles. This campaign aims to dismantle Ukraine’s electrical grid and heating capabilities, significantly affecting water supply as well.
Any lull in missile usage allows Russia to replenish its stockpile for future strikes, with energy infrastructure remaining a primary target. Analysts suggest that Russia may compensate for any gaps in the use of long-range bombers by utilizing its arsenal of deep-strike weapons, including a higher reliance on short-range ballistic missiles during this winter’s offensive.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The intensification of these strikes began in the fall of 2025.
The Security Service of Ukraine has classified these attacks as crimes against humanity, documenting at least 256 aerial assaults on energy facilities and heating systems since the start of the current heating season. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has characterized the Russian strikes, which deprive citizens of heating during severe cold spells, as acts of genocide.
In contrast, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has claimed that Russia did not initiate attacks on civilian infrastructure, asserting that Ukraine was the first to target Russian energy facilities.
The UK intelligence report highlights a sharp increase in Russian drone strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with significant implications for civilian life and critical services. The ongoing campaign, characterized as a systematic assault, has drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about humanitarian impacts amidst severe winter conditions.