Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking its gas infrastructure in the town of Sudzha, claiming that a strike by Kyiv’s forces has “virtually destroyed” the facility. However, Ukraine denied the allegation, stating that Russia itself was responsible for the attack. The conflicting claims highlight the fragility of a U.S.-brokered moratorium on strikes against each other’s energy targets.
Russia’s Allegations and Response
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that Ukraine continued to target Russian energy infrastructure, violating the moratorium. “The Russian side reserves the right, in case the Kyiv regime fails to observe the moratorium, not to observe it either,” he warned.
According to Russia’s defense ministry, Ukraine launched a double attack using HIMARS missiles at the Sudzha gas metering station on March 28 at around 10:20 AM, causing a major fire that led to the facility’s near-total destruction. A video released by the ministry showed towering flames engulfing the site.
The town of Sudzha, located in Russia’s Kursk region, was previously a critical transit point for Russian gas exports to Europe. However, gas flows through the region ceased on January 1, 2024, after Ukraine declined to renew a transit deal amid the ongoing war.
Ukraine’s Denial and Counterclaims
A Ukrainian national security official countered Russia’s accusations, alleging that Moscow itself attacked the Sudzha gas transmission system in Kursk. Kyiv also pointed out that Russia had previously accused Ukraine of targeting the same facility on March 21—an allegation Ukraine also denied.
Ukraine’s military further asserted that it “strictly adheres” to the ceasefire agreements on energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s general staff reported that Russia had launched attacks on energy facilities in the Kherson and Poltava regions over the past day.
U.S.-Brokered Energy Truce Under Strain
The latest accusations come just days after the U.S. facilitated separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia to halt strikes on each other’s energy infrastructure. The agreements were seen as a possible step toward broader peace negotiations. However, both sides have since accused each other of violating the truce, raising concerns over its viability.
The Russian defense ministry also reported Ukrainian attacks on power facilities in Belgorod, causing blackouts, and an attempted strike on an oil refinery in Saratov. The Saratov refinery, owned by Rosneft, has previously been targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks.
Market Impact
The renewed conflict over energy infrastructure has impacted European energy markets. The European benchmark front-month contract on the Dutch Title Transfer Facility hub saw a 0.5% increase, reaching 41.20 euros per megawatt hour by 11:12 GMT.
As the situation escalates, international observers continue to monitor the crisis closely, with fears that further energy strikes could heighten tensions and disrupt efforts to negotiate a lasting ceasefire.
Sources By Agencies
