General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces
The General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces is the central military command body responsible for strategic planning and operational direction of Russia's armed forces. It is headed by the Chief of the General Staff, who also serves as the First Deputy Minister of Defence. Subordinate to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, it plays a central role in coordinating the activities of the army, navy, and air force.
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Russia hits energy infrastructure in 10 Ukrainian oblasts overnight; Zelensky says over 15 facilities struck
Russian forces launched mass strikes on energy infrastructure in ten Ukrainian oblasts overnight and into the morning of Saturday, October 17, 2026, Ukrainian officials and media reported. President Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 15 important electricity generation and transmission facilities were hit, with the worst-hit areas including Lutsk, Rivne, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, and surrounding towns. Repair crews restored power to more than half a million consumers as hourly household outage schedules and nationwide industrial power limits were activated.
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Russia announces campaign of massive strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure
On 16 October, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to Vladimir Putin that Russia had started a dedicated campaign of massive strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities. Russian forces hit energy infrastructure in at least six oblasts on 16 October and ten oblasts overnight and on the morning of 17 October, using drones, cruise and ballistic missiles. President Zelensky said Russia attacked more than 15 important electricity generation and transmission facilities, with the worst situation in Lutsk, Rivne, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Shepetivka, Slavuta and Netishyn. The strikes came days after US President Donald Trump announced on 11 October that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an "energy ceasefire."