Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that a recent Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy sector specifically targeted gas facilities that are crucial for supplying the European Union. These facilities play a key role in ensuring safe delivery of gas to the EU, which Russia continues to supply via Ukraine under a transit deal with Gazprom that is set to expire in December.
Zelenskiy, who is advocating for defensive weapons systems from international partners, mentioned that Ukrainian forces successfully shot down some of the 34 Russian missiles launched during the attack. While he did not specify the exact targets hit by the missiles, Ukraine’s state-run oil and gas company Naftogaz confirmed that its facilities were attacked, but there were no casualties and supplies to consumers were not affected.
The governor of Lviv region reported that the region experienced strikes from cruise missiles and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, resulting in damage and fires at critical energy infrastructure objects. However, emergency services were able to quickly extinguish the flames. Zelenskiy reiterated his request for defensive missiles, particularly Patriot systems, emphasizing the need for at least seven defensive systems to counter future attacks.
He highlighted the challenge posed by the calculated trajectories of the missiles, designed to make the work of Ukraine’s air defense system more difficult. Despite this, each downed rocket was considered a significant achievement in protecting Ukraine’s security.
