Russia Targets Ukraine's Gas Infrastructure in Massive Assault

In a significant escalation, Russian forces launched a massive air assault on Ukraine's crucial gas production facilities, officials reported on Friday. The strike has critically damaged parts of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, key to heating homes during the forthcoming winter season.

The CEO of Naftogaz, the state gas and oil company, Sergii Koretskyi, described the attack as the largest during the ongoing war on their sites, with Russia firing 35 missiles and 60 drones overnight on facilities in the Kharkiv and Poltava regions. Koretskyi condemned the assault as a punitive measure with no military value, aimed solely at creating an energy crisis in Ukraine.

As a precaution, Ukraine is increasing gas imports to compensate for a 40% domestic output cut from earlier strikes this year. Meanwhile, Ukrainian retaliatory measures include drone strikes on Russian refineries, contributing to fuel shortages in Russia. The ongoing energy tussle underscores the broader impacts of the conflict as winter looms.

(With inputs from agencies.)