Putin’s Energy Bluff: Lithuania Warns on Ceasefire Claims

Russia is deliberately targeting Ukrainian civilian energy infrastructure despite claims of an “energy ceasefire,” according to Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys. The attacks, which include facilities linked to nuclear power plants, are being described as a tactic of terror as winter approaches.

Russia’s Attacks on Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure

Budrys stated that Russia is “weaponising winter” with a massive overnight attack on Ukraine. He specifically noted the deliberate targeting of civilian energy infrastructure, including facilities connected to nuclear power plants.

Freezing people in darkness as temperatures drop is “pure terror,” Budrys wrote in a post on X. He asserted that these systematic strikes constitute war crimes under international law and require accountability, including action at the International Criminal Court.

Budrys highlighted Lithuania’s recent donation of €2.4 million in generators to Ukraine, bringing its total energy assistance to over €100 million. However, he emphasized that the scale of Russia’s attacks necessitates increased support from all partners.

“Ukraine urgently needs financial, technical, air‑defence and interceptor support,” Budrys said. “The EU, together with global partners, must accelerate deliveries without delay. Every moment of hesitation fuels Russia’s terror.”

He added that “words and illusions of restraint will not deter Russia,” and that only strength, solidarity, and accountability can end the war.

On February 7, Russia carried out another missile and drone attack on Ukraine, hitting substations and power transmission lines that form the backbone of Ukraine’s energy grid, as well as the Burshtyn and Dobrotvir thermal power plants.