Fears over fuel as Russia targets Ukraine petrol stations

Explosions ripping through petrol stations have become a grimly familiar sight in eastern Ukraine, as Russia intensifies its attacks on the country's logistics infrastructure. Since July, Moscow has reportedly struck more than 200 petrol stations, predominantly in the eastern and northeastern regions along key supply routes.

David Akopyan, a 35-year-old attendant, narrowly escaped injury when his workplace in Izyum was destroyed. He had just closed the station due to bombardment risks and evacuated staff minutes before a missile struck. "I put up the barrier tape, cleared everyone out, and had barely reached my car when I heard the whistle of the missile," he told AFP, surveying the wreckage.

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I put up the barrier tape, cleared everyone out, and had barely reached my car when I heard the whistle of the missile.

Ukrainian energy analyst Sergiy Kuiun suggests these attacks have little direct impact on the military, which maintains its own fuel supply. However, Ukraine's energy ministry believes the aim is more cynical: to damage civilian infrastructure, disrupt logistics, and deliberately complicate the humanitarian and economic situation as winter approaches. The campaign forces station operators into a constant game of cat-and-mouse, though they have managed to restore about 80% of damaged pumps.

Near Izyum, where air raid sirens are a daily occurrence, petrol stations operate under the threat of attack. Burnt-out stations have become a common feature along the roads, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict's toll on civilian life and infrastructure. The strikes have also led to civilian casualties, including journalists.

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These strikes are intended to damage civilian infrastructure, disrupt logistics, and make the humanitarian and economic situation as difficult as possible ahead of the coming winter, as well as to worsen the provision of essential services for communities.