**Russia’s Attacks on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure Continue to Bite**
In a devastating blow to Ukraine’s energy sector, Russia attacked 34 facilities of Ukrgasvydobuvannya, the country’s largest gas producer and part of the state Naftogaz Group, last winter. The attacks led to a staggering loss of almost 50% of gas production, as reported by the company on April 21.
This is just another example of Russia’s ongoing efforts to cripple Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Regular attacks on power plants and heating systems have resulted in widespread shortages across the country. The cities of Kryvyi Rih, Mykolaiv, and Kherson were particularly affected, with millions of people facing the risk of being left without heat and electricity.
**A Humanitarian Crisis Averted**
Thanks to the tireless efforts of emergency crews working around the clock, Ukrgasvydobuvannya was able to raise over Hr 5 billion ($121 million) in humanitarian donor aid. This crucial support helped prevent a complete collapse of the company’s operations.
In addition to this rescue effort, Naftogaz also imported 800 million cubic meters of gas and began restoring the damaged infrastructure. This proactive approach will help the company withstand the autumn and winter of 2024-2025 and compensate for losses incurred during the previous winter.
**A Lesson Learned**
In March, Ukrgasvydobuvannya reported that it had restored more than half of the production volumes lost due to the attacks. Naftogaz’s interim CEO, Roman Chumak, has already begun preparing the company for the next winter period. This proactive planning is essential given the ongoing threat from Russian aggression.
**A Step Forward**
Since the beginning of 2025, Naftogaz has contracted 1.5 billion cubic meters of gas, with 400 million cubic meters set to be supplied in preparation for the 2025-2026 autumn-winter period. This forward-thinking approach will help ensure that Ukraine’s energy needs are met, even in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
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