Naftogaz of Ukraine for the first time showed one of the gas facilities in central Ukraine that was hit by a massive Russian strike. This was reported by the Associated Press.
"The ground around the gas facility, which was once dark-black, after the massive attack of drones and missiles has taken on a rust-red tint. Debris of 'Shaheds' still lie on the grounds of the liquefied propane tanks. Several tanks were completely destroyed after the October 30 attack"
– the agency writes.
Scale of the destruction
In the published footage it can be seen that metal structures have been blown to pieces, and pipelines where hits occurred have been reduced to a pile of twisted metal.
According to company employees, the Russians deliberately struck a liquefied gas tank — likely to cause a fire.
"After the explosion [the tanks] caught fire and continued to burn and explode, causing the metal structures to collapse and scatter in all directions"
– said one of the plant's workers.
Consequences for gas supply
Because of the destruction of production facilities, Ukraine will be forced to import an additional more than 4.4 billion cubic meters of gas from the European Union and the United States.
Some of Naftogaz's facilities are being repaired, but restoring full production could take many months, if not years.
"Without Russia's attacks, Ukraine could cover the vast majority of consumption with its own production"
– said the head of the board of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine, Serhiy Koretskyi.
He emphasized that the Russian strikes are purely terrorist in nature and are not connected to any military facilities.
"The destruction of gas production, gas storage and transportation has one goal – to leave Ukrainians without gas, heating and electricity"
– Koretskyi stressed.
