Sparking Lines: Energy and Russia's War on Ukraine

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has highlighted the critical interplay between energy and warfare, shaping global security in the 21st century. In Sparking Lines: Energy and Russia’s War on Ukraine, Sharon Burke examines energy’s pivotal role in the conflict, from Ukraine's disconnection from Russia's power grid to the deliberate targeting of energy infrastructure, revealing how energy functions as both a strategic tool and target in modern warfare.

Burke analyzes Russia’s use of energy to further geopolitical ambitions, Europe’s shift away from Russian energy, and Ukraine’s struggle to maintain its grid under attack. Originally published by the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA), the whitepaper also explores broader vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Honorable Sharon Burke will chair IDGA's 17th Operational Energy Summit this February in Bethesda, Maryland, focusing on emerging threats, contested environments, and innovation in defense energy.