Ukraine fortifies fuel stations against Russian air attacks

Ukrainian fuel retailers are fortifying their networks with sand-filled blast barriers and concrete shelters to mitigate the impact of Russian air strikes. While attacks previously focused on frontline areas, Russia has recently expanded its campaign to target fuel infrastructure in major cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv.

Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that Russia has destroyed more than 300 filling stations in the last six months. In response, state-owned Uknafta, the country’s largest oil company, is installing gabions—wire-mesh cubes filled with sand—to protect facilities in urban centers.

Despite an expected 10-15% increase in demand, Uknafta executives stated that the strikes are not expected to cause fuel shortages this winter. Lesya Zharska, director of Uknafta’s station network, noted that operations are often restored within days of an attack and emphasized that the company is prepared for the upcoming winter season.