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In the heart of eastern Ukraine, petrol stations have become perilous frontlines in the ongoing conflict with Russia. With an alarming increase in drone strikes targeting these vital civilian infrastructures, workers and customers alike face daily threats to their lives. In Pavlohrad, those brave enough to fill their tanks must now adhere to grim safety protocols, spending no more than ten minutes at a forecourt. As Dima, a station attendant, warns, even a moment’s hesitation can have deadly consequences.
A New Phase of Aggression
The assault on Ukraine’s fuel network has escalated dramatically in recent weeks. Russian forces have shifted their focus from large-scale energy facilities to roadside petrol stations, which serve not just civilians but also military vehicles and emergency responders. Reports indicate that strikes have surged to approximately twenty per week, with around two hundred stations either damaged or destroyed in recent months.
Dima, a seasoned attendant in Pavlohrad, is acutely aware of the dangers. “Get off the forecourt now,” he urgently advises, pointing at his smartphone. An app tracking Russian drones has become an essential tool for those on the frontlines of fuel distribution. “It’s a Geran-3 drone,” he says, his voice tinged with fear. “They missed us yesterday, but they are coming back for another try.”
Just the day before, a drone was intercepted near his station, crashing into a nearby business park instead. But with the spectre of danger ever-present, local authorities are urging motorists to fill up quickly and leave. The situation has transformed the humble act of refuelling into a high-stakes gamble.
The Human Cost of Fueling Up
At another petrol station nearby, Irada, a 31-year-old manager, expresses her anxiety. “I’m extremely worried about my safety,” she admits, her eyes scanning the horizon for signs of trouble. “We run whenever we hear the siren, but sometimes it is difficult. Customers are paying or filling their cars, and there’s no guarantee I will get away in time.”
As a single mother with family trapped in Russian-occupied territory, Irada’s fears are compounded by the weight of responsibility. “If anything happens to me, who will look after my daughter?” she asks. “I need the job, but it has become so dangerous that we should be paid danger money.” Unfortunately, her employers have offered little more than makeshift blast protection around the kiosk.
Andriy, a commander of a mobile air-defence unit, sheds light on the changing tactics of the Russian military. “They are targeting civilian infrastructure,” he explains, noting that petrol stations have become a priority for strikes. “Our only chance of hitting them may be during their final dive,” he adds, revealing the desperate measures being taken to protect civilians.
A Desperate Struggle for Survival
Sergei, a 59-year-old pump attendant, shares his own harrowing experience. “I look at the sky all day,” he says, pointing to shrapnel marks on the kiosk. “When I see something in the air, I run for my life and throw myself into the ditch across the road.” He believes these attacks are a form of retaliation for Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil refineries, a cycle of violence that only serves to escalate tensions further.
Yet amid the chaos, there remains an undeniable resilience among the workers and customers. “Our customers still need petrol,” Sergei insists. “I still need to work, and I will not stop.” This determination highlights the stark reality of life in a war zone, where survival often demands a fierce spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.
Why it Matters
The relentless targeting of petrol stations in Ukraine underscores a chilling strategy of warfare that blurs the lines between military and civilian life. With each drone strike, the consequences ripple through communities already ravaged by conflict. As essential services come under attack, the fabric of daily life is further eroded, forcing individuals to navigate an ever-volatile landscape. In this grim reality, the struggle for survival is not just about fuel; it is a fight for the very essence of life amidst the chaos of war.
