Russia hits gas production in Kharkiv region: Smart Energy facility destroyed, company talks about “double pressure”
19 December 18:33
Russia has launched another massive kamikaze drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This time, a gas production facility of the Smart Energy group in Kharkiv region was hit. This was reported by the company’s press service, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The company claims significant damage to the equipment and emphasizes that recovery is possible only if production licenses are unblocked.
What is known about the shelling
According to Smart Energy’s press service, more than a dozen Shahed drones were fired at the facility. The attack was targeted and massive.
The company reports that the equipment was severely damaged, and the consequences are being assessed. There were no casualties.
What the company says
At the same time, Smart Energy emphasizes that the company has not actually been operating since the beginning of the year due to the suspension of the special permit for gas production.
Smart Energy emphasizes that the facility is under “double pressure.”
- from the outside – because of Russian missile and drone strikes;
- from the inside – through sanctions restrictions, blocked licenses and decisions of government agencies.
The company declares its readiness to start restoration work immediately, but links it directly to the authorities’ decision to unblock the permits.
What we know about Smart Energy
Smart Energy is a part of the Smart Holding group of businessman Vadym Novynskyi, who has been subject to National Security and Defense Council sanctions since 2022. In 2023, the court seized the corporate rights of dozens of companies associated with the group.
At the same time, Smart Energy entities are engaged in litigation with the state. In particular, Enwell Energy plc initiated international arbitration against Ukraine, claiming interference with property rights, asset freezes, and searches. Earlier, Regal Petroleum, a member of the group, began to suspend production at its fields in Poltava region.
Financial performance has also deteriorated: in the first nine months of 2025, the group’s companies paid UAH 543 million in taxes, down 41% year-on-year.
