Russia launches massive strike on Naftogaz facilities across Ukraine
Illustrative photo: Naftogaz (naftogaz com.jpg)
Russia launched a large-scale attack on Naftogaz Group facilities across several regions of Ukraine. Fires broke out at the facilities, and significant damage was recorded, but no employees were injured thanks to safety compliance, according to acting Naftogaz CEO Serhii Fedorenko.
Russia launches a new attack
Fedorenko said that in the morning and during most of the day, Russian forces carried out massive attacks on the company’s production facilities in the Kharkiv, Poltava, and Sumy regions.
According to him, Russia used various types of drones in the attack, including jet-powered UAVs.
Fires and heavy damage
The strikes triggered fires at several facilities and caused significant damage to production infrastructure.
Fedorenko said no employees were injured because safety procedures had been implemented in advance and staff remained in shelters during the attack.
Due to the risk of additional strikes, specialists have not yet been able to fully assess the extent of the damage. Operations at the affected facilities have been temporarily suspended.
Targeting Ukraine's energy sector
According to the acting Naftogaz chief, Russia continues to systematically target Ukraine's oil and gas infrastructure.
He said the objective of these attacks is to reduce Ukraine's domestic gas production, disrupt preparations for the upcoming heating season, and create additional risks during the winter months.
New leadership and priorities
Fedorenko also announced that, amid the current circumstances, Naftogaz's Supervisory Board had appointed him as acting CEO of the company.
According to him, Naftogaz's key priorities remain building sufficient gas reserves, rapidly restoring damaged infrastructure, fulfilling commitments to international partners, and maintaining the operational pace achieved over the past year under the leadership of Serhii Koretskyi.
Fedorenko stressed that the company is fully aware of the challenges it faces and will do everything possible to ensure Ukraine has sufficient gas supplies and to continue preparations for the upcoming winter despite ongoing Russian attacks.
Earlier on July 17, the Supervisory Board of Naftogaz of Ukraine appointed Serhii Fedorenko as the company's acting CEO. He will lead the company until a new chief executive is selected.
