Ukraine Fortifies Filling Stations Against Russian Attacks
Following increased Russian airstrikes on fuel infrastructure, Ukrainian retailers are protecting stations with sand barriers and concrete shelters.
Filling stations across Ukraine are being fortified with sand-filled blast barriers and concrete shelters as Russia expands its air campaign to major cities.
Threats Against Filling Stations Have Increased
While Russia has been targeting frontline gas stations since the start of the war in 2022, in recent months it has expanded its attacks to include fuel retailers in major cities such as Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that Russia has destroyed more than 300 stations over the past six months.
Ukrnafta Secures Its Facilities
A top executive at Ukrnafta, Ukraine's largest oil company, stated that despite the expected 10% to 15% increase in demand during the winter months, the attacks will not lead to shortages and they are taking steps to protect the facilities. In recent weeks, at least six Ukrnafta stations in Kyiv have been targeted.
Damaged Facilities Repaired Quickly
Lesya Zharska, director of the Ukrnafta station network, stated that even if gas stations are hit, operations are sometimes restarted within days. In an interview at a station on the outskirts of Kyiv, Zharska emphasized that they will protect the facilities and are ready for winter, while across the street, a station destroyed in a nearby attack was seen being rebuilt.
Security Measures and Shelters
Ukrnafta, which has installed wire-caged, sand-filled gabion barriers at its 36 stations in Kyiv, aims to spread these measures to other cities as well. She noted that when a yellow or red air raid alert is issued, operations are halted, customers are asked to leave, and personnel are directed to shelters.
Winter Season and Supply Security
With temperatures dropping, Russia is expected to intensify its attacks on energy infrastructure once again. Ukrnafta has equipped stations across its entire network with backup diesel generators and has signed sufficient fuel import contracts to prevent supply gaps.