It was of strategic importance for Russia: Ukraine allegedly launched a drone attack on TurkStream

The Russian Ministry of Defense has alleged that Ukraine attempted an attack on the infrastructure of the TurkStream natural gas pipeline. The ministry issued an official statement regarding the attack, which was claimed to have taken place during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the US.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense's statement, an attack was carried out last night on a compressor station in the Krasnodar region using three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It was stated that the attack aimed to stop natural gas shipments to Europe. The statement expressed that all UAVs were shot down by air defense systems and that the station did not sustain any damage.

The ministry also announced that natural gas shipments from the compressor station to the TurkStream pipeline are continuing as normal. This attempted attack was recorded as the second incident in which Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking TurkStream.

ACCUSATIONS AGAINST UKRAINE

In a previous statement on January 13, the Russian Ministry of Defense also claimed that Ukraine attempted to attack the same compressor station with nine UAVs. It was noted that this attempted attack was also blocked by air defense systems and the station was not damaged.

Russia has argued that such attempted attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure threaten energy security in the region. According to Russian officials, Ukraine has specifically targeted natural gas pipelines to disrupt energy shipments.

There has been no official response yet to these allegations from Ukraine, which is accused of the sabotage attempt. Ukrainian officials have also not yet responded to the initial attack allegations.

'Since the beginning of the war, Ukraine has carried out attacks on Russia with thousands of drones and UAVs. While Russia announces that it has repelled most of the attacks, UAVs and drones targeting energy infrastructure have caused critical damage to Russia's oil and natural gas facilities' Reuters

WHY IS TURKSTREAM IMPORTANT?

TurkStream is known as a critical energy project that transports natural gas from Russia to Turkey and from there to Europe. The pipeline plays an important role in meeting the energy needs of both Turkey and Europe. Russia argues that such attempted attacks by Ukraine could negatively affect international energy markets.

According to a report by Ria Novosti, experts pointed out that TurkStream strengthens the energy security of Turkey and Europe. The pipeline, which carries natural gas from Russia to Turkey, has made Turkey an energy hub by ensuring an uninterrupted flow in energy supply.

The pipeline allows for direct gas shipments to European countries. Experts stated that TurkStream has a total capacity to transport 31.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas via two lines.

According to energy market researchers, while TurkStream supports regional cooperation and economic relations, it also assumes a strategic role in the energy market.

The Russian Ministry of Defense's statement also mentioned that measures to ensure the security of TurkStream have been increased. The ministry emphasized that they are prepared for similar attack attempts and will continue to protect energy infrastructure.

News Source: 12punto