Drone Strike Escalates Tensions: Ukraine's Energy Facilities Under Fire

A Russian drone attack damaged Ukrainian gas infrastructure in Poltava, despite a truce on energy strikes. Both Kyiv and Moscow accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement. The strike targeted warehouses and caused equipment damage, raising concerns about Ukraine's energy stability.

A Russian drone attack has caused significant damage to Ukraine's gas infrastructure in the central Poltava region amidst a truce on energy strikes. The strike specifically targeted warehouses owned by Ukraine's state gas producer, a move confirmed by regional officials on Friday.

Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire intended to prevent attacks on each other's energy facilities, Ukraine and Russia continue to exchange accusations of non-compliance. Poltava's governor confirmed that storage sites affiliated with Naftogaz, a major player in Ukraine's gas sector, suffered drone hits. Equipment needed for well restoration and repair were among the casualties of this escalatory move.

Naftogaz refrained from detailing the extent of the infrastructure damage but termed the attack as an "attempt to undermine the country's energy stability." Fortunately, the attack did not result in casualties, although it did provoke fires over an extensive area and momentarily disrupted power in parts of Poltava. Meanwhile, in the southern Odesa region, drones also caused residential damage and injuries.

(With inputs from agencies.)