Ukraine has turned to buying natural gas from the European Union as Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have reduced domestically sourced supply, anonymous sources familiar with the situation told Bloomberg on Friday.

Naftogaz Group, Ukraine’s state-owned producer, has seen its gas output down by one third recently, due to the air strikes with missiles from Russia, according to Bloomberg’s sources.

So Ukraine now needs to import about 1 billion cubic meters of gas, they added.

Russia has been targeting – and hitting – energy infrastructure in Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022. Air strikes become more aggressive and frequent during the winter when Ukraine needs more gas and all other sources of energy to keep heating and lights on.

In one of the latest attacks this past weekend, Russia attacked residential buildings and infrastructure with missiles and drones, killing 15 people and damaging energy infrastructure in Poltava, around 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the Russian border.

Last year, Naftogaz Group raised its commercial gas production to 13.9 bcm, up from 13.2 bcm in the previous year, the Ukrainian state-owned firm said in January.

“Each day, our team demonstrates resilience and adaptability, driving progress even under the toughest conditions,” said CEO Roman Chumak.

Later in January, Naftogaz said that it has sufficient gas reserves for a stable heating season.

“We are closely monitoring gas reserves, which will be sufficient to ensure a stable heating season. Our top priority is to provide comfort and warmth to Ukrainian households,” Chumak commented.

“Additionally, Naftogaz Group continues to import fuel to remain fully prepared amid the war.”

Naftogaz is also creating various scenarios in cooperation with international partners to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience and address today’s wartime realities.

On Friday, Naftogaz Group and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) discussed potential financing for natural gas purchases and support for domestic production amid the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy and gas asset infrastructure.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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