Full Breakdown
Ukraine Fortifies Fuel Stations as Russian Strikes Expand to Major Cities
By Drooid · · How we work
Escalating Attacks and Ukrainian Fortifications
Since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, Russian forces have repeatedly struck petrol stations in frontline zones. In recent months the air campaign has broadened to target fuel retailers in Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv. In response, state-owned Ukrnafta—Ukraine’s largest oil company—has begun installing sand-filled gabion blast barriers and concrete shelters at its sites, and it is equipping stations with backup diesel generators and secured fuel imports to avert winter shortages.
Key Figures and Measures
- Lesya Zharska – Director of Ukrnafta’s station network, overseeing the installation of protective barriers and emergency procedures.
- Denys Shmyhal – Ukraine’s Energy Minister, reporting the scale of damage.
- Ukrnafta – Operates 660 stations nationwide, including roughly three dozen in Kyiv.
Ukrnafta’s mitigation plan includes:
- Wire-mesh cube gabions filled with sand placed around pumps.
- Concrete shelters for staff and customers.
- Immediate suspension of service and evacuation of customers when a yellow or red air alarm is issued.
Data & Statistics
- More than 300 petrol stations have been destroyed in the last six months, according to Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal.
- At least six Ukrnafta stations in Kyiv have been hit in recent weeks.
- Ukrnafta expects a 10-15 % rise in fuel demand this winter.
- The company maintains three dozen stations in Kyiv out of its total 660 locations.
Official Statements & Responses
Zharska added that operations are often restored within days after an attack and emphasized the company’s readiness for the colder months. Moscow has asserted that it does not deliberately target civilian infrastructure, while acknowledging an increase in attacks on populated areas as its ground forces encounter difficulties.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When there is a yellow or red air alarm, we stop operations and ask customers to leave, and staff head to shelters,” — Lesya Zharska, director of Ukrnafta's station network