Death toll reaches 38 after Russian strike on Ukrainian arms depot

Moscow’s Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that the Russian armed forces will intensify operations against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure before the onset of winter, describing the forthcoming actions as “massive strikes.” The announcement, made by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in a televised briefing, indicated that the campaign will target power plants, fuel depots, transport hubs and communication networks across the country in an effort to undermine Ukraine’s ability to sustain its war effort as temperatures drop.

The ministry’s statement came amid ongoing hostilities that have seen repeated attacks on civilian facilities since the conflict began in 2022. Ukrainian officials have warned that such a strategy could exacerbate humanitarian hardships, while Western governments have urged restraint and called for continued diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. The Russian directive underscores a shift toward heightened pressure on Ukraine’s essential services ahead of the winter months, signaling a potential increase in both the scale and frequency of attacks.