**Ukraine’s Gas Supplies Remain Uninterrupted Despite Russian Attack**
Despite a Russian drone attack on Wednesday, gas supplies through the Orlovka interconnector in southern Ukraine continued uninterrupted on Thursday. The Ukrainian gas transmission operator confirmed that deliveries were made as usual.
The Orlovka interconnector is a crucial route for importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Greece and Turkey to Ukraine’s storage facilities via the Transbalkan pipeline. This route has been hailed by Kyiv as “extremely important” due to its potential to provide access to LNG from various sources, including Greek and Turkish terminals, Azerbaijani pipeline gas, and Romanian pipeline gas.
On Wednesday, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian drones had struck a gas pumping station in the Odesa region, which is used to import LNG from the US and Azerbaijan. This attack was seen as an attempt to undermine Ukraine’s preparations for winter. However, the operator assured Reuters on Thursday that deliveries through Orlovka were unaffected.
According to the operator, 0.42 million cubic meters of gas were scheduled to be pumped through Orlovka on Thursday. The continued operation of this interconnector is a significant boost for Ukraine, which has been seeking to increase its energy independence and diversify its gas supplies.
**Commentary**
The continued uninterrupted supply of gas through the Orlovka interconnector is a testament to Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russian aggression. Despite the attack on Wednesday, Ukraine’s gas transmission operator was able to maintain delivery as usual. This shows that Ukraine has been taking proactive steps to ensure its energy security and is not reliant solely on imports from Russia.
However, this incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, which have been escalating over the past few months. The fact that Russian drones were used to attack a gas pumping station in the Odesa region suggests a deliberate attempt to disrupt Ukraine’s preparations for winter. This underscores the need for continued international support and investment in Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
**Analysis**
The Orlovka interconnector is a vital component of Ukraine’s gas supply system, providing access to LNG from various sources. The continued operation of this route ensures that Ukraine can import gas without relying solely on imports from Russia. This development has significant implications for Ukraine’s energy security and its ability to prepare for winter.
Moreover, the attack on the gas pumping station in Odesa highlights the ongoing risks and challenges facing Ukraine’s energy sector. As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate, it is essential that international partners and investors provide support to help strengthen Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and ensure its continued stability and security.
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