The Russian Defense Ministry on Friday said Ukrainian forces have "deliberately blown up the Sudzha gas metering station" as they retreated from Russia's western Kursk region while the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces claimed the station was shelled by the Russians.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Ukraine's statement as "completely absurd," saying it proves Ukraine cannot be trusted to honor the ceasefire commitments.
He accused Ukraine of attacking energy infrastructure in Russia’s Krasnodar and Kursk regions despite an earlier agreement by both sides to halt such strikes. Peskov added that Russian forces are still adhering to their pledge not to target Ukrainian energy facilities.
The facility, located several hundred meters from the Ukrainian border, has been under Ukrainian control since August 2024, the ministry said. Russia has recently regained control over Sudzha.
The Investigative Committee of Russia announced Friday that it has launched a criminal investigation into the explosion at the station. The committee said that Ukrainian servicemen deliberately detonated the facility on Thursday, causing significant damage.
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said on Facebook that Russia's claims regarding Ukraine's shelling of the station are "groundless," and the station has been "repeatedly shelled by the Russians themselves."
The station was a major entry point for Russian gas exports to Europe via Ukraine until it ceased operations on Jan. 1, following the expiration of a five-year transportation agreement.
Russia, Ukraine trade accusations on Sudzha gas metering station blast
Russia, Ukraine trade accusations on Suzha gas metering station blast
