Russian military actions on August 6th and August 8th, 2025, have impacted Azerbaijan's energy interests in Ukraine, with strikes targeting vital gas infrastructure in the Odesa region. The attacks specifically hit the 'Orlovka' gas compression station, a crucial part of the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline that transports Azerbaijani gas to Ukraine and Europe. These strikes resulted in significant equipment damage and injuries to personnel. On August 8th, an attack on a SOCAR facility caused a fire, damaged a diesel fuel pipeline, and severely injured four SOCAR employees.
Despite the infrastructure damage and the clear targeting of facilities linked to Azerbaijan, both Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing energy cooperation. President Aliyev condemned the "targeted" air strikes, stating they would not deter the energy partnership. President Zelenskyy, in a call with President Aliyev, reinforced this sentiment, with both leaders emphasizing confidence in their joint energy endeavors. The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy described the attacks as deliberate assaults on civilian infrastructure aimed at undermining relations with Azerbaijan, the United States, and European partners. The ministry noted the 'Orlovka' station's importance in connecting Greek LNG terminals with Ukrainian gas storage via the Trans-Balkan pipeline, which recently began facilitating Azerbaijani gas and U.S. LNG imports. Ukraine views these attacks as a Russian effort to disrupt alternative energy routes and challenge Europe's energy independence. Analysts suggest the targeting of SOCAR facilities may also be part of Moscow's broader campaign to exert economic and political pressure on Azerbaijan due to its independent foreign policy and support for Ukraine. Both nations emphasize continued collaboration and a shared resolve to strengthen energy ties, seeing these challenges as opportunities for deeper cooperation.