Russian Attacks on Ukraine’s Gas Transit Infrastructure: New Challenges for Energy Security
Recent nighttime events have once again highlighted the complexity of Ukraine’s energy security situation.
Russian military forces launched a large-scale drone attack on gas transmission system facilities in the Odessa region, which are crucial for maintaining stable gas supplies in the region and represent a key element of European energy security.
Particular attention is drawn to the attack on a compressor station of the Ukrainian pipeline, serving as a vital node connecting Greek LNG terminals through the Trans Balkan pipeline with Ukraine’s gas storage facilities.According to the Ministry of Energy, this route has repeatedly been targeted by enemy attacks, as it has previously facilitated the transportation of LNG from the United States and tested volumes of Azerbaijani gas.
The ministry emphasizes that these acts aim to destabilize Ukraine’s and Europe’s energy systems and eliminate alternative gas supply routes — an essential part of Ukraine’s and Europe’s energy independence.Overall, data from the Ministry of Defense indicate that at least 45 unmanned aerial vehicles were launched into Ukrainian territory during the night of August 6.
As a result of the drone attack in the Izmail district, over 2,500 consumers were left without gas supply.
This is yet another manifestation of Russia’s aggression, which continues attempts to destroy Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.Meanwhile, in July 2024, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev officially announced his readiness to supply Azerbaijani gas to the European Union via Ukraine after concluding a contract with Russian “Gazprom.” In January 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine’s gas transmission system is ready for the transit of Azerbaijani gas.The importance of this for Ukraine’s and Europe’s future energy independence is underscored by the words of former CEO of “Operator GTS Ukraine” Serhii Makogon, who warned that any scheme for transporting Azerbaijani gas through Ukraine could be used as a cover to continue Russian gas exports.
This presents new challenges for Ukrainian authorities and the country’s energy sector, as Russia persistently employs all its means to influence the European energy map.