Ukraine Drone Attacks Target Russian Gas Pipelines, Kremlin Cries Foul
Krasnodar, Russia – Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted facilities linked to the TurkStream and Blue Stream gas pipelines in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region, Gazprom announced Thursday, raising concerns about energy security as the war in Ukraine continues.
According to the Russian energy giant, 26 drones were used in attacks on three compressor stations between Tuesday and Thursday. While the Russian military claims to have intercepted all the drones, the incidents have prompted strong condemnation from the Kremlin.
“Such irresponsible and thoughtless actions by the Kyiv regime can further destabilize the situation in the region and the entire world,” presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
The TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines are currently the only remaining routes for Russian pipeline gas exports to Europe, a critical point noted by Gazprom. The attacks come after a previous series of drone strikes on compressor stations in the same region last week, prompting Russia to warn Turkey of potential sabotage attempts.
Both Ukraine and Russia routinely conduct drone and missile strikes on each other’s territory. Kyiv justifies these actions as retaliation for Russia’s invasion and ongoing occupation of Ukrainian lands, stating its targets are primarily military and energy infrastructure aimed at disrupting the Kremlin’s war financing.
Despite President Vladimir Putin’s recent offer to supply oil and gas to European buyers amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Peskov indicated Wednesday that European Union countries have shown no interest in resuming energy cooperation with Russia.
The attacks underscore the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in the region and the potential for escalation as the conflict enters its third year. The Moscow Times reported on the initial warnings issued to Turkey regarding potential sabotage.
