Russia launches attacks on Azerbaijani oil and gas installations in Ukraine

Russia launches attacks on Azerbaijani oil and gas installations in Ukraine

Headline: Second Attack on Azerbaijani Infrastructure in Ukraine Disrupts Energy Supply

In a troubling development, an oil base in Ukraine has been targeted in a series of drone attacks, marking the second instance of an Azerbaijani infrastructure object being attacked in the country [1][4]. The incident, which resulted in serious injuries to four workers and significant structural damage, has disrupted the supply of Azerbaijani gas through the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline [1][4].

The oil base, a crucial component of the SOCAR facilities in Ukraine, was the main target of the strike, according to Ukrainian law enforcement [1]. All five drones hit the oil base directly, causing chaos and destruction. Damage assessment and emergency restoration work are currently underway, but the full extent of the damage is yet to be fully understood [1].

The Trans-Balkan gas pipeline is a vital route for the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Ukraine, and this latest attack has disrupted the flow of gas, potentially impacting the country's energy security [1]. The pipeline, which connects Greek LNG terminals with Ukrainian gas storage, plays a significant role in Europe's efforts to reduce reliance on Russian natural gas [1].

In response to these attacks and the ongoing threats, Azerbaijan has condemned the strikes and is actively supporting Ukraine's energy sector to restore and maintain infrastructure. President Ilham Aliyev has signed decrees allocating $2 million worth of Azerbaijani-made electrical equipment, including cables, generators, and transformers, to aid Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy in restoring stable electricity supply [1][3][4][5]. Azerbaijan has also sent multiple shipments of humanitarian aid focused on electricity supply and reconstruction, with total aid surpassing $44 million since the war began [3][4].

The Trans-Balkan gas pipeline is not the only target of Russian aggression. Previously, strikes were carried out against the gas distribution station "Orlovka", which is part of the Trans-Balkan pipeline [1]. Despite the damage, Azerbaijan and Ukraine remain committed to continuing energy cooperation, as affirmed by recent conversations between their presidents [4].

This latest attack comes amidst threats and information campaigns in Russian media, increasing the risk of new strikes on SOCAR infrastructure in Ukraine [1]. In a bid to counter these threats, Azerbaijan has decided to close Russian-language schools [6].

The attacks on Azerbaijani infrastructure in Ukraine are a clear violation of international law and undermine the efforts of Ukraine and Azerbaijan to strengthen their energy cooperation and diversify Europe's energy supply [1]. Azerbaijan will continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to restore and maintain its infrastructure, ensuring the safe and secure supply of energy to Ukraine and Europe.

References:

[1] Reuters. (2025, August 12). Azerbaijan condemns Russian strikes on its infrastructure in Ukraine. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/azerbaijan-condemns-russian-strikes-its-infrastructure-ukraine-2025-08-12/

[2] BBC News. (2025, July 28). Azerbaijan gas imported to Ukraine for first time via Trans-Balkan route. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62142293

[3] Azernews. (2025, August 10). Azerbaijan sends humanitarian aid to Ukraine worth $44 million. Azernews. https://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/197618.html

[4] Trend.az. (2025, August 13). Aliyev: Azerbaijan and Ukraine to continue energy cooperation. Trend.az. https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/4298778.html

[5] Azernews. (2025, August 12). Azerbaijan to provide Ukraine with $2 million worth of electrical equipment. Azernews. https://www.azernews.az/business/197564.html

[6] Azerbaijan in Focus. (2025, August 11). Azerbaijan closes Russian-language schools amid security concerns. Azerbaijan in Focus. https://www.azerbaijanifocus.com/azerbaijan-closes-russian-language-schools-amid-security-concerns/

1. The Second Attack on Azerbaijani infrastructure in Ukraine has shifted concerns to the finance industry, as the disruption of the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline affects Azerbaijan's revenue from energy exports to Ukraine.
2. The series of drone attacks targeting Azerbaijani infrastructure in Ukraine can be often traced back to geopolitics and war-and-conflicts, particularly the ongoing conflicts with Russia.
3. In the face of industry disruptions due to the attacks, politics and general news remain vital in providing updates and measures to reassure the public while ensuring stable energy supply to Europe.

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