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In a harrowing twist to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s petrol stations have become prime targets for relentless Russian drone assaults. As the war escalates, workers at these essential service points face life-threatening risks daily, with air raid sirens compelling them to dash for safety amidst the chaos. In Pavlohrad, a small city in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, the grim reality is palpable as civilians and workers navigate a deadly landscape where filling up a tank can mean the difference between life and death.
The New Frontline: Civilian Fuel Stations
“Get off the forecourt now!” Dima, a 65-year-old attendant, shouts as the shrill wail of an air raid siren pierces the air. His voice is urgent, underscored by the fear etched on his weathered face. He glances at an app on his phone, a crucial tool for workers in this increasingly perilous environment. An arrow signals the approach of a Russian Geran-3 drone, a modern harbinger of destruction, and he warns customers to vacate the premises immediately.
In recent weeks, Russian forces have ramped up their attacks on Ukraine’s fuel infrastructure, focusing their fire on petrol stations across the country’s eastern and southern regions. Reports from the fuel industry estimate that drone strikes have surged to approximately 20 incidents weekly, with around 200 stations either damaged or destroyed in the escalating conflict.
A Deadly Job
The situation at petrol stations has transformed what was once a mundane job into one of the most dangerous civilian occupations in Ukraine. Military officials now recommend that motorists fill their tanks and leave in a matter of minutes. The threat is real; just days prior, a drone was intercepted above Dima’s station, crashing into a nearby business park instead. A week earlier, another station in Pavlohrad suffered a devastating strike, resulting in casualties that the community is still grappling with.
Previously, Russian military strategy focused on larger energy installations such as refineries and storage facilities. Now, they are zeroing in on the last mile of Ukraine’s fuel network—the petrol stations that serve not just civilian drivers, but also ambulances, farmers, and even military vehicles. The shift in tactics is as chilling as it is strategic.
The Human Cost of Conflict
Irada, a 31-year-old manager at a local OKKO petrol station, shares Dima’s trepidation. As she watches customers fill up their tanks, her anxiety is palpable. “I’m terrified for my safety,” she admits, her eyes darting to the skies. Customers are often oblivious to the danger, caught in the mundane act of refuelling while sirens blare. “If anything happens to me, who will care for my daughter?” she worries, knowing that her family remains trapped in Russian-occupied territory.
Despite the risks, Irada feels compelled to continue working. “I need the job, but it has become so dangerous that we should be paid danger money,” she asserts, gesturing towards the makeshift blast protections that have been hastily erected around her kiosk. “There are many casualties we don’t know about,” she whispers, the weight of uncertainty heavy upon her.
Defending Against the Drones
Andriy, a commander of a mobile air-defence unit stationed nearby, underscores the evolving threat. “They are now targeting civilian infrastructure, and petrol stations are among their priorities,” he explains. The Geran-3 drones, which can travel at impressive speeds and altitudes, present a formidable challenge for Ukraine’s air defences. “Our best chance to intercept them is during their final dive,” he adds grimly, as he gestures towards a flatbed truck equipped with a Browning machine gun.
Sergei, a 59-year-old pump attendant, echoes the sentiments of his peers. He bears shrapnel scars as evidence of the near misses he has endured. “I look at the sky all day,” he recounts, recalling moments when he has had to throw himself into a ditch for cover. “It’s revenge,” he believes, suggesting that the attacks are a retaliatory measure against Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. Yet, despite the threat, he remains resolute. “Customers still need petrol. I will not stop working,” he states defiantly.
Why it Matters
The plight of those working at petrol stations in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war. These ordinary civilians are thrust into extraordinary circumstances, balancing the need for survival with the demands of an economy in turmoil. Their stories of bravery and resilience highlight not just the immediate dangers they face, but also the broader implications of a conflict that continues to reshape lives and communities. In a war where every moment counts, the struggle for existence is a daily battle, one that embodies the spirit of a nation refusing to yield.