Sparking Lines: Energy and Russia's War on Ukraine

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has illuminated the enduring and complex interplay between energy and warfare, a dynamic that continues to shape global security landscapes in the 21st century. In Sparking Lines: Energy and Russia’s War on Ukraine, the Honorable Sharon E. Burke, a leader in defense energy, explores the critical role of energy in the ongoing conflict and its implications for the future of warfighting and geopolitics.

Energy has always been a pivotal factor in military strategy and operations, but in this war, it has emerged not merely as a logistical enabler but as a strategic weapon. From Ukraine’s historic disconnection from the Russian power grid and integration into Europe’s energy infrastructure on the day of the invasion to the targeted destruction of Ukraine’s energy assets, the conflict underscores how energy systems can be both targets and tools in modern warfare.

Burke’s incisive analysis traces the strategic, operational, and tactical dimensions of energy’s role in the war. She explores how Russia’s control over critical energy resources has fueled its geopolitical ambitions and how Europe’s accelerated pivot away from Russian energy has reshaped global energy markets. The whitepaper, which was originally published by the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA), also highlights the operational challenges Ukraine faces in maintaining its grid amid relentless attacks and examines the broader vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure in an increasingly interconnected and electrified world. To read Burke's full analysis, click "Download Whitepaper Here."

This February, Sharon Burke will chair IDGA's Operational Energy Summit in Bethesda, Maryland. The 17th iteration of the event will focus on addressing the emerging threat landscape, contested environments, the role of innovative technology, and the challenges and gaps in defense energy to ensure support of military operations.