Russia Accuses Ukraine of Attempting Drone Attack on Gas Pipeline

The Russian Defense Ministry has accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on a gas compressor station associated with the TurkStream pipeline, which transports gas from Russia to Europe via Turkey. This claim comes amidst increasing tensions following Ukraine's suspension of Russian gas transit on January 1, effectively ending years of energy cooperation that significantly benefited both nations.

On Saturday, Ukraine reportedly deployed nine attack drones targeting the facility located in Gai-Kodzor, near Russia's southern coast. The Russian military claimed all the drones were intercepted, with minimal damage incurred, primarily affecting a gas measuring station. According to the Ministry, operations at the facility continue without interruption.

The TurkStream pipeline, which spans approximately 930 kilometers under the Black Sea, previously facilitated the flow of gas through Ukraine to various European countries. In response to the escalating conflict, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto emphasized the importance of safeguarding energy supplies as a matter of national sovereignty, asserting that any threat to supply security is tantamount to an attack on sovereignty.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of recent U.S. sanctions imposed on Russia's energy sector, aimed at further destabilizing the country's economy by targeting significant players like Gazprom Neft. As the geopolitical situation intensifies, European nations are making efforts to reduce their reliance on Russian gas imports, leading to a complex energy landscape in the region.