Moscow (TDI): Moscow has warned it reserved the right to a symmetrical response to the Ukrainian attack on Russia’s energy facility.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russia said on Saturday, “Despite the agreement initiated by the United States to refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure – an agreement Kyiv ostensibly supported – the Nazi regime’s treacherous attacks on Russian territory continue.”
On March 19, a fuel depot in Kuban was attacked, followed by a strike on the Sudzha gas metering station in the Kursk Region on March 21. Russia blamed Ukraine for the two attacks.
According to the Ministry of Defense of Russia, the Ukrainian military blew up the gas station before their retreat, which is a clear violation of the ceasefire.
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“In addition, there have been further barbaric incidents of Ukrainian drones deliberately targeting residential buildings and social facilities,” the Foreign Ministry said.
💬 Russian MFA Spox Maria #Zakharova: Despite the agreement to refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure, the Nazi regime’s treacherous attacks on Russian territory continue.
Russia reserves the right to respond, including with symmetrical measureshttps://t.co/9SSgbv4V3H pic.twitter.com/ZGfsZZez0i
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) March 22, 2025
The Ukrainian military also accused Russia of blowing up its gas facility with the artillery in a false flag “provocation.”
The Ukrainian military spokesperson said, “The Russians continue to produce numerous fakes and seek to mislead the international community.”
Andriy Yermak, the Chief of Staff of Ukraine, commented, “Russian attempts to deceive everyone and pretend that they are ‘adhering to the ceasefire’ will not work, as the fake (news) about the strikes on the gas station will not work.”
Намагання росіян всіх обдурити і вдавати, що вони «дотримуються припинення вогню» не спрацюють, як і фейки про удари по газовій станції.
Ми вітаємо ідеї жорстких економічних дій проти росії, якщо вона не припинить вогонь.
— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) March 21, 2025
Responding to the comments, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesperson, said that the idea that Russia would attack its energy infrastructure was “absurd.”
President Putin’s order not to attack Ukraine’s energy infrastructure remains in force.
The Sudzha attack indicated that Ukraine’s word to enforce a ceasefire could not be trusted, the Spokesperson said.
Moreover, the Russian Foreign Ministry further stated, “These reckless actions once again highlight Kiev’s complete disregard for agreements and its lack of commitment to achieving peace. Just as in 2022, provocations are being used to derail the negotiation process.”
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Warning Kyiv, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, “We issue a clear warning: if the Kiev regime persists in its destructive course, Russia reserves the right to respond, including with symmetrical measures.”
The attack took place days after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to have a limited ceasefire, in a telephone conversation with the US President.
During the conversation, the Russian President had agreed to hold attacks on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days, as well as exchange prisoners of war with Ukraine.
Commenting on Russia’s agreement, the Ukrainian Chief of Staff had said, “We support a ceasefire on energy and civilian infrastructure. We also support a full ceasefire. We had good results in Jeddah and are ready to continue our work. We keep working to achieve a just and lasting peace as soon as possible.”
