The aftermath of a devastating Russian drone and missile assault on a Ukrainian gas facility has left the surrounding soil scorched and the infrastructure in ruins. The attack, which occurred on October 30, targeted a reservoir storing liquefied propane gas, leaving several tanks empty and destroyed. Victor, a long-time employee who has worked at the facility for 28 years, expressed his sorrow over the damage, stating, ‘It hurts to look at all this because I saw firsthand its establishment, construction, and development. But we must continue to work.’ The Associated Press was granted exclusive access to Naftogaz’s gas extraction fields in central Ukraine, marking the first time a news outlet has been allowed to document the war damage at these facilities. Due to security concerns, the exact location of the facility remains undisclosed. Russia’s strategic targeting of Ukraine’s gas infrastructure aims to cripple morale and force the country to import expensive gas, which it can scarcely afford. Without these attacks, Ukraine could have covered the majority of its gas consumption through domestic extraction. However, the March and October assaults have left Ukraine needing to import an additional 4.4 billion cubic meters of gas this winter, at an estimated cost of $2 billion. Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state gas company, is negotiating with U.S. government lenders to secure financing for purchasing American liquefied natural gas. The energy crisis has become a critical factor in ongoing peace negotiations, with a senior Ukrainian official emphasizing the urgency of the situation. ‘It is urgent because of Ukraine’s energy situation, urgent because of what Ukrainians need this winter, urgent in terms of the fight,’ the official stated. The destruction of gas infrastructure, which has no military significance, is seen as a deliberate attempt to terrorize Ukrainians by leaving them without heating and electricity during the harsh winter months. Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi condemned the attacks, describing them as ‘manic terror attacks.’ The damage has pushed Ukraine to increase its gas imports, with Naftogaz securing 70% of the required funds through European loans and grants. The remaining 30% is being sought from U.S. lenders, though the process is time-sensitive. ‘This money was needed the day before yesterday,’ Koretskyi remarked. The attacks have also left gas transport pipes in a tangled wreckage, with workers scrambling to salvage what they could. The repeated assaults on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure have forced the country to rely heavily on imports, with some repairs expected to take months or even years. The situation has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of Ukraine’s energy sector, with experts suggesting that the government may need to raise gas prices to reduce reliance on loans. However, such a move risks public backlash, especially given the ongoing pressure on the government from a major corruption scandal in the energy sector. Despite the challenges, Ukraine remains committed to rebuilding its gas infrastructure and ensuring energy security for its citizens.