A power plant in Varash, Ukraine.(File photo by Getty Images)

Russia has warned that it is preparing "massive strikes" on Ukraine`s energy sector, describing the move as a direct response to Kiev`s attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Sunday that Russian forces have begun preparations for a large-scale attack on Ukrainian energy facilities.

In a statement on Telegram, the ministry said the planned operation is a tit-for-tat response to "ongoing attacks by the Kiev regime on civilian infrastructure and on Russia`s oil and energy complex."

The warning comes after months of escalating long-range strikes by both sides. Warehouses, businesses, oil and port facilities, and ships have all been targeted, with civilian casualties rising.

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a similar warning last week. He said Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure had opened a "Pandora`s box," and that Moscow would hit Ukraine`s most sensitive economic sectors.

"The Kiev regime set out to damage our economy. What did it do? It opened this Pandora`s box itself," Putin said in remarks published last week. "Expect a response targeting your most sensitive economic sectors."

He added that Moscow remains open to ending the conflict through negotiations, but said any talks between Moscow and Kiev must take into account the "realities on the ground."