“Our missile units caused a minor accident at Boyko’s towers,” Honcharenko said.
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“A (Ukrainian) rocket attack has somewhat hampered Russian (natural) gas extraction in the Ukrainian Black Sea.”
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The attack was confirmed by the so-called “leader” of Russian-occupied Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, via Telegram.
According to Aksyonov, five people were rescued from the platforms, including three injured. Search and rescue operations are underway.
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Ukraine bought these offshore natural gas rigs in 2011-2012. The deal was widely criticized, as the cost was double their market price. The platforms became known as the infamous “Boyko’s Towers,” after then Energy Minister Yuriy Boyko, an ally of fugitive former President Viktor Yanukovych.
During the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia seized these offshore facilities. They were later used for reconnaissance, in addition to natural gas extraction.
