How Ukraine and Russia are waging a war over energy
The war between Ukraine and Russia, which started in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine’s eastern regions, has escalated into a brutal and destructive conflict that threatens the stability and security of Europe and the world. One of the main aspects of this war is the struggle over energy resources and infrastructure, which both sides have targeted with unprecedented intensity and sophistication.
The attacks on energy infrastructure
Since October 2023, Russia has launched a series of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, using drones, missiles, rockets, and cyberattacks to damage or destroy power plants, oil terminals, gas pipelines, and nuclear facilities. These attacks have caused widespread blackouts, water shortages, and heating problems for millions of Ukrainians, especially during the harsh winter months. Russia’s aim is to cripple Ukraine’s economy and military, and to force it to surrender or negotiate on Moscow’s terms.
Ukraine, on the other hand, has also retaliated by targeting Russia’s oil and gas sector, which accounts for about 40% of Russia’s federal budget revenues. Ukraine has sabotaged or blown up oil wells, refineries, pipelines, and tankers in Russia and its allies, such as Belarus and Kazakhstan. Ukraine’s goal is to cut Putin’s war chest and to reduce his influence and leverage over Europe, which depends on Russian gas for about a third of its consumption.
The impact and implications of the energy war
The energy war between Ukraine and Russia has had a devastating impact on both countries and their populations, as well as on the environment and the climate. According to the UN, more than 8,000 civilians have been killed and 20,000 injured since the start of the war, mostly by explosive weapons with wide area effects. The war has also displaced more than 3 million people, created a humanitarian crisis, and increased the risk of a nuclear disaster or a chemical spill.
The energy war has also reshaped the global energy markets and geopolitics, as it has disrupted the supply and demand of oil and gas, and created new alliances and rivalries. The war has boosted the prices of oil and gas, which have reached record highs in recent months, benefiting some producers, such as the US, Saudi Arabia, and Norway, but hurting some consumers, such as China, India, and Germany. The war has also prompted some countries to diversify their energy sources and to invest more in renewable and clean energy, such as solar, wind, and hydrogen.
The energy war has also increased the tensions and the involvement of the international community, especially the US, the EU, NATO, and China, which have different interests and stakes in the outcome of the conflict. The US and the EU have supported Ukraine with sanctions, aid, and weapons, and have condemned Russia’s aggression and violations of international law. NATO has also deployed troops and equipment to the region, and has conducted military exercises and patrols to deter and defend against Russia. China, on the other hand, has maintained a more neutral and pragmatic stance, as it has economic and strategic ties with both Ukraine and Russia, and has sought to mediate and facilitate dialogue between the parties.
