Russian occupation forces have reportedly wiped out around 60 percent of Ukraine’s natural gas production capacity through ongoing drone and missile attacks, deepening the country’s energy crisis ahead of winter and raising fresh calls for international support.

Ukrainian media reported that large sections of the country’s gas infrastructure have been devastated by recent Russian strikes targeting production and storage facilities in eastern and central regions. Kyiv has appealed to its G7 partners for urgent assistance to repair the damaged facilities and to provide additional air defense systems to protect the remaining energy infrastructure.

Ukraine’s Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk said on October 7 that due to the massive destruction, the government plans to increase energy imports by up to 30 percent to meet domestic demand.

Since launching its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Russian forces have repeatedly attacked Ukraine’s critical energy facilities with drones and missiles, systematically undermining the country’s energy independence.

Western outlets such as Financial Times and Washington Post described the latest wave of attacks as part of Moscow’s broader strategy to weaponize energy and pressure the Ukrainian population during the approaching cold season.

Meanwhile, Arab and Middle Eastern media highlighted the humanitarian toll of the strikes, emphasizing civilian hardship and infrastructure collapse amid ongoing Western reluctance to ensure long-term protection for Ukraine’s energy grid.

Analysts say the continued targeting of Ukraine’s energy network not only violates international humanitarian law but also serves as a reminder of how Moscow uses energy as a tool of coercion—threatening not only Ukraine but also Europe’s broader energy stability.(ILKHA)