**Ukraine’s Gas Production Halted After Russian Attack**
A Ukrainian energy company, DTEK, had its gas production facilities in Poltava Oblast attacked by Russia on March 7. The attack forced the company to stop operations due to damage.
DTEK is Ukraine’s largest private energy company. Its facilities are often targeted by Russia as Moscow tries to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This has happened many times since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
**Russian Attacks Across Ukraine**
Over the past day, Russian attacks across Ukraine have killed at least two people and injured 24 others. In Poltava Oblast, a house was hit by debris from a downed aerial target, injuring two people, including a child.
Ukraine’s main gas production facilities are in front-line regions like Kharkiv and Poltava, making them vulnerable to Russian attacks. Strikes on gas infrastructure have reduced production at times by 40%.
**Impact on Ukraine’s Energy**
Before the war, Ukraine produced 52 million cubic meters of gas daily but needed 110-140 million cubic meters in winter. Russian strikes have reduced domestic production, forcing Ukraine to increase imports.
In February, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said Ukraine would need at least 1 billion cubic meters of imported gas by the end of 2025. The country imported 560 million cubic meters of gas from Europe in February and plans to import 3.5 billion cubic meters for the next winter.
**Ukraine’s Gas Import Plans**
Ukraine’s gas import plans come as Europe faces high competition and rising prices while trying to replenish low gas reserves. Ukraine has also stopped transporting Russian gas through its pipelines since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
“We have not received such proposals” from U.S. President Donald Trump, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian government said about proposed recommendations on lifting restrictions on the aviation and banking industries.
**Ukraine’s War Efforts**
President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit South Africa on April 10 to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa and discuss efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Difficult battles continue in the border area of Sumy Oblast, and Russian assault units are attempting to breakthrough.
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