At least five people were killed after Russian missile and drone attacks targeted gas production facilities in Ukraine’s Poltava and Kharkiv regions on May 5.
The strikes hit sites operated by Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz, killing three workers and two emergency responders who were carrying out rescue operations after the initial attack. Ukrainian officials said 37 others were wounded in the overnight barrage.
Fires broke out at several facilities following the strikes, with damage also reported to surrounding energy infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities said thousands of residents were affected by disruptions linked to the attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as Russia continued aerial attacks across several Ukrainian regions despite renewed ceasefire discussions earlier this week. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of targeting critical civilian and energy infrastructure during the war.
Naftogaz said Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have intensified in recent months, with repeated strikes damaging gas production and heating facilities across the country.
