Water Supply Systems Could Be Russia's Next Target in Ukraine, Warns Military Expert.

Russia's Evolving Attack Strategy in Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: Following its winter campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Russia may shift its focus this spring to target water supply systems, particularly in Odesa. This assessment comes from former Ukrainian Air Assault Forces commander, Ivan Yakubets. He warned that water facilities are likely to be the next objective for Russian strikes. This potential shift in tactics represents a continued assault on Ukraine's critical civilian infrastructure.

Previous Winter Assaults on Energy Infrastructure

Russia's winter offensive concentrated on crippling Ukraine's energy grid. In an overnight attack on February 17, Russian drones struck energy facilities in Odesa. According to the energy company DTEK, the Kyiv district of Odesa sustained the most significant damage. The primary task for energy workers is to restore the surviving equipment to operation by February 20.

Ivan Yakubets further emphasized the scale of these attacks, stating,

"When they deploy around four hundred drones and fifty to sixty missiles, it's no longer a tactical level. It's an operational strike."

The potential change in Russia's targeting priorities suggests a new strategy aimed at damaging Ukraine's most critical infrastructure. After energy, water supply—an essential service for survival—could become the next objective, creating severe additional risks for the civilian population. Damage to both energy and water systems are key elements for regional stability, and their destruction could lead to a sharp deterioration in the humanitarian situation. The circumstances in Odesa require particularly close monitoring due to the city's strategic and economic significance.