In a precision-timed offensive synchronized with a severe Arctic blast, Russian forces launched a massive coordinated strike on December 27, specifically targeting Ukraine’s domestic gas production and thermal power infrastructure.
The assault, utilizing a swarm of "Shahed" kamikaze drones, resulted in direct hits on facilities owned by the Naftogaz Group, including critical heating plants (TECs) and gas extraction sites. Sergii Koretskyi, CEO of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine, stated that the timing was a deliberate attempt to cripple the energy grid during peak winter loads, aiming to cause a systemic blackout as temperatures plummet. Emergency crews and specialized technical units have been deployed in high-alert mode to mitigate damage and restore functionality to the crippled energy nodes. This is reported by The WP Times, cited by Ukraine 7 Days. News from Ukraine, Kyiv and the world 24/7.
This latest wave of "technocratic terror" involved an unprecedented volume of ordinance, including ten "Kinzhal" hypersonic missiles, dozens of cruise missiles, and nearly 500 drones launched across the country. In the capital, the strikes claimed one life and left 28 others wounded, but the strategic damage to the energy sector remains the primary concern for regional stability.
Energy analysts suggest that by targeting extraction sites, the Kremlin seeks to undermine Ukraine’s hard-won gas self-sufficiency, forcing the nation into a humanitarian crisis during the coldest months. As the Naftogaz Group struggles to maintain operational continuity, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, as any disruption to Ukraine’s internal energy balance places additional stress on broader European energy storage and transit strategies for 2026.
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