Ongoing Russian Attacks on Naftogaz Facilities in Ukraine

Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas company, Naftogaz, has faced a series of Russian attacks that have resulted in the deaths of two employees within a week. On March 26, Olha Basenko, a worker at a cogeneration plant in Kherson Oblast, was killed due to shelling. This was followed by the death of Roman Chmykhun, a 55-year-old process operator, during a drone strike on March 27 at a gas extraction facility in Poltava Oblast. These incidents are part of a sustained campaign by Russian forces targeting Naftogaz, which has been attacked over 40 times in 2023 alone.

Kyiv IndependentDrone Attack on Naftogaz Facility Leaves 5,000 Customers Without Gas in Poltava Region

The recent drone strike on March 27 caused significant damage to Naftogaz's equipment, igniting a fire that halted operations at the facility. This disruption left approximately 5,040 customers without gas supply. Naftogaz's CEO, Serhii Koretskyi, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that the attacks have been ongoing for three consecutive days and have severely impacted the company's ability to provide gas to homes across Ukraine.

Drone Attack on Naftogaz Facility Leaves 5,000 Customers Without Gas in Poltava RegionKyiv Independent

The attacks on Naftogaz are part of a broader strategy by Russia to undermine Ukraine's energy independence and exert pressure on its civilian population amidst the ongoing conflict. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Naftogaz has reported a total of 316 employee fatalities due to Russian military actions, with 1,399 drone and missile attacks recorded in the previous year alone. The escalation of strikes on Naftogaz facilities began in the fall of 2025, resulting in a significant reduction in Ukraine's gas production capabilities.

Drone Attack on Naftogaz Facility Leaves 5,000 Customers Without Gas in Poltava RegionKyiv Independent

Naftogaz has publicly condemned the attacks, stating, “We have suffered a painful loss. Our colleague, Roman Chmykhun, was killed during one of the attacks.” The company has also highlighted the urgent need for enhanced protective measures for its facilities to mitigate the risks posed by ongoing Russian aggression.

Drone Attack on Naftogaz Facility Leaves 5,000 Customers Without Gas in Poltava Region

Critics argue that the continued targeting of Naftogaz facilities reflects a deliberate strategy by Russia to destabilize Ukraine's energy infrastructure. This has raised concerns about the long-term implications for energy security and civilian safety in Ukraine, prompting calls for increased international support and protective measures for critical infrastructure.

Drone Attack on Naftogaz Facility Leaves 5,000 Customers Without Gas in Poltava Region

While Naftogaz has reported two fatalities, the exact number of employees affected by the attacks and the total extent of damage to facilities remains unclear. There are discrepancies in the reporting of the number of attacks and their impact on gas production, highlighting the challenges in obtaining accurate information amidst ongoing hostilities.

Drone Attack on Naftogaz Facility Leaves 5,000 Customers Without Gas in Poltava Region

• “It has been a very difficult week. Attacks on Naftogaz facilities in the Poltava region have been ongoing for the third day in a row,” — Naftogaz of Ukraine

• “Throughout yesterday and into the night, they struck a Naftogaz group facility responsible for gas extraction in the Poltava region. The attack caused a fire. The equipment sustained substantial damage, and the facility's operations have been stopped.” — Serhii Koretskyi

Drone Attack on Naftogaz Facility Leaves 5,000 Customers Without Gas in Poltava Region

The situation surrounding Naftogaz remains critical as the company continues to navigate the challenges posed by ongoing Russian military actions.

Drone Attack on Naftogaz Facility Leaves 5,000 Customers Without Gas in Poltava Region