“In two years, no defenses were built”: expert commented on Russia’s strikes on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure

On the night of October 5, Russia carried out a massive combined strike on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure.

This was reported by Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretskyi, who specified that the enemy deliberately targeted facilities that ensure gas supply for the population during the heating season. As a result, there were direct hits and severe destruction.

However, the main question is different: why, after nearly two years of full-scale war, do key Naftogaz facilities still remain without proper protection?

According to Mykhailo Kharchenko, Director of the Energy Research Center, unlike elements of the power grid—where at least some modern protection systems have been implemented and equipment can be restored even after multiple drone strikes—gas compressor stations and purification units remain practically open targets. There is nothing there that could at least minimize the damage.

While the Ministry of Energy reports on the restoration of electricity in the Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions, it remains clear: the absence of comprehensive protection for critical gas infrastructure threatens millions of citizens ahead of the winter season.

Instead of merely reporting on the destruction, the state must finally answer — why do vital facilities, whose vulnerability experts have been pointing out for years, continue to remain unprotected?