Drone strikes hit Ukrainian petrol stations, wounding civilians and disrupting supplies

Two petrol stations in Kharkiv were struck by Russian drones on Monday, wounding two people, local officials said, while a separate attack last week on a station outside Kryvyi Rih killed three people; authorities warned motorists to leave forecourts during air raid alerts as strikes on filling stations grow more frequent.

Officials and analysts report that Russia has targeted at least 246 filling stations across Ukraine, with the Centre for Information Resilience verifying 114 strikes in July compared with 66 in June. Initially smaller remote-controlled drones were used, but analysts say Russian forces have deployed larger Iranian-made Shahed drones, which are more destructive and cost an estimated $20,000–$50,000 each.

Police guidance urges drivers to abandon vehicles and forecourts during alerts to reduce casualties. Some roads now lack functioning stations, including the Kharkiv–Dnipro route, and all stations around Opishnya and Trostyanets have reportedly been destroyed, prompting local authorities to store fuel in dispersed locations or dispense it from mobile tankers.

Petrol retail chains are adapting by building concrete shelters, installing anti-drone nets, shortening hours and reducing staff. BRSM Nafta reported the loss of eight stations and damage to others, and its customers report filling quickly and leaving during air alerts.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Reports indicate a sustained campaign of drone and missile strikes that have damaged or destroyed a significant number of petrol stations, with verified monthly increases in attacks and a shift to larger Shahed drones. Authorities have issued safety guidance and companies have taken protective measures at forecourts, while some local administrations are redistributing fuel from mobile tankers to maintain supply.

Despite the damage, the National Bank of Ukraine reports that about 4% of filling stations have been affected and the overall market impact remains limited due to alternative supply routes and numerous retail outlets away from the front line.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Two petrol stations in Kharkiv were hit by drones on Monday, wounding two people.
• At least 246 Ukrainian filling stations have been struck so far, with 114 verified strikes in July.
• Larger Iranian-made Shahed drones are increasingly used, each costing an estimated $20,000–$50,000.