Ukraine has been forced to import natural gas from the European Union as Russian missile strikes continue to cripple the country’s energy infrastructure, diminishing its domestic supply. Sources familiar with the situation revealed on Friday that Ukraine’s state-owned Naftogaz Group has seen a significant drop in gas production, falling by a third in recent weeks due to the ongoing Russian bombardments.
As a result, Ukraine now faces a need to import approximately 1 billion cubic meters of gas, according to the same sources. Russia has persistently targeted Ukrainian energy facilities since the invasion began in February 2022, with airstrikes intensifying in the winter months when the demand for gas rises due to heating requirements.
In a recent escalation, Russia launched missile and drone strikes over the weekend, targeting residential areas and infrastructure in Poltava, a city located about 120 kilometers from the Russian border. The attack killed 15 people and further damaged the region’s energy network.
Despite these setbacks, Naftogaz has managed to increase its commercial gas output, reaching 13.9 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2024, up from 13.2 bcm the previous year. CEO Roman Chumak emphasized the resilience and adaptability of the team, noting their continued progress under challenging circumstances.
Earlier in January, Naftogaz assured the public that it had sufficient gas reserves to ensure a stable heating season. “We are closely monitoring gas reserves, which will be sufficient to ensure a stable heating season. Our top priority is to provide comfort and warmth to Ukrainian households,” Chumak commented.
Additionally, Naftogaz is actively working with international partners to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience, creating plans to address the challenges posed by the ongoing war. On Friday, the company held discussions with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) regarding potential financing for gas purchases and continued support for domestic energy production in light of the ongoing Russian attacks.