Ukraine fortifies its filling stations against Russian attacks

Sand-filled blast barriers and concrete shelters are multiplying at filling stations in Ukraine in a push by retailers to fortify their networks as Russia attacks fuel infrastructure in major cities.



Russia has struck petrol stations in frontline areas since the beginning of the full-scale war in 2022, but in recent months it has broadened its air campaign to target fuel retailers in Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv.



A senior executive at state-owned Ukrnafta, Ukraine's largest oil company, said it was taking steps to protect its facilities and the strikes would not cause shortages this winter despite an expected increase in demand of 10-15%.



Even when petrol stations are hit, operations are sometimes restored within days, said Lesya Zharska, director of Ukrnafta's station network.