Russia launches largest attack on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure since start of war

Russian forces carried out the most extensive strike on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, targeting key energy facilities overnight in a massive assault.

According to Naftogaz, quoted by Ukrainian media, the country’s state-owned oil and gas company, the attack occurred in the early hours of October 3, and marks a new escalation in Russia’s targeting of Ukraine’s energy sector.

“The enemy has carried out the most massive attack on gas-producing infrastructure since the start of the full-scale war,” Naftogaz said in a statement, as reported by RBC-Ukraine.

Russian troops launched 35 missiles, including a substantial number of ballistic missiles, and 60 drones aimed at Naftogaz facilities located in the Kharkiv and Poltava regions.

Ukraine’s air defence systems managed to intercept some of the incoming projectiles, but not all. As a result, multiple Naftogaz facilities sustained damage, some of which is described as critical.

“A significant number of our facilities have been damaged. Some of the damage is critical,” the company added.

Serhiy Koretskyy, head of the Naftogaz Group, confirmed that emergency teams are currently working to assess and mitigate the aftermath of the strike.

The latest attack comes amid a broader campaign by Russia to disrupt Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of the winter season, raising concerns about the country’s ability to maintain gas production and supply.

By Tamilla Hasanova