# [7D] Russia Increases Missile and Drone Strikes on Ukrainian Energy and Grid Infrastructure

*Issued Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11:09 PM UTC — Hamer Intelligence Services Desk*

**Issued**: 2026-05-21T23:09:50.964Z (3h ago)
**Expires**: 2026-05-28T23:09:50.964Z (7d from now)
**Category**: MILITARY | **Confidence**: 80% | **Impact**: CRITICAL
**Risk Direction**: escalatory
**Affected Regions**: Eastern and central Ukraine (Kharkiv, Dnipro, Poltava regions), Occupied territories under Russian control
**Affected Assets**: Ukrainian power plants and CHP facilities, Fuel storage depots and rail logistics, Ukrainian electricity exports to EU (where applicable)
**Permalink**: https://hamerintel.com/data/forecasts/10576.md
**Source**: https://hamerintel.com/forecasts

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## Prediction

Over the next 7 days, Russia is likely to escalate strikes against Ukrainian power plants, transmission nodes, and fuel depots in retaliation for sustained Ukrainian drone attacks on central Russian refineries. The recent hit on Zmiyivska CHP and gas stations in Kharkiv region aligns with a pattern of targeting Ukraine’s energy resilience. Expect a mix of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and Shahed-type drones, with focus on eastern and central Ukraine. Ukraine will respond by hardening air defenses around key nodes and continuing its long-range strikes, deepening the cycle of infrastructure warfare.

## Drivers

- Reports that Ukrainian drones have brought central Russian refining to a standstill
- Recent Russian missile strikes on Zmiyivska CHP and Chuhuiv gas stations
- Sustained trend of mutual energy and maritime coercion in the war