“If We Do Nothing, Crisis Will Turn Into Collapse”: Can Ukrainian Gas Stations Withstand Russian Attacks?

As summer 2024 intensifies, so does Russia’s systematic campaign against Ukraine’s civilian fuel infrastructure. In recent weeks, the frequency and precision of strikes targeting gas stations, fuel depots, and petroleum storage facilities across Ukraine have increased dramatically, raising serious concerns about the country’s ability to maintain stable fuel supplies during a critical period of the ongoing war. Military analysts and energy experts are warning that without immediate countermeasures, the current crisis could spiral into a full-scale collapse of regional fuel distribution networks.

The strategic shift in Russian targeting priorities reflects a deliberate attempt to undermine Ukraine’s logistical capabilities and civilian resilience simultaneously. Gas stations, which might seem like minor targets compared to power plants or military installations, actually form the backbone of daily life and economic activity. From ambulances rushing patients to hospitals, to farmers harvesting crops, to delivery vehicles supplying stores with essential goods — all depend on accessible fuel. By systematically destroying this infrastructure, Russia aims to create cascading failures across multiple sectors of Ukrainian society.

The attacks have been particularly devastating in frontline and near-frontline regions, where some areas have seen multiple fuel facilities destroyed within days of each other. In Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts, local authorities report that the number of operational gas stations has declined by 15-25% since the beginning of summer. This has created localized fuel shortages, with residents sometimes waiting hours in line or traveling significant distances to find operational stations. The psychological impact compounds the practical difficulties, as uncertainty about fuel availability affects everything from evacuation planning to business operations.

Industry experts point out that the fuel sector was already operating under significant stress before this latest wave of attacks. Ukraine’s refining capacity was effectively eliminated in earlier strikes during 2024, forcing the country to rely almost entirely on imported fuel products. The destruction of the Kremenchuk refinery and attacks on other processing facilities meant that Ukraine became dependent on deliveries from European neighbors, primarily Poland, Hungary, and Romania. This import dependency made the remaining storage and distribution infrastructure — including retail gas stations — even more critical to the supply chain.

“If nothing is done, this crisis will inevitably transform into a complete collapse,” warned one energy sector analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic. The expert explained that each destroyed station creates a ripple effect: remaining facilities become overcrowded, equipment wears out faster due to increased demand, and the workforce becomes stretched thin. Moreover, insurance companies are increasingly reluctant to cover fuel infrastructure in high-risk zones, making it financially impossible for owners to rebuild destroyed stations or invest in protective measures for existing ones.

Ukrainian authorities and private fuel companies are exploring various mitigation strategies, though options remain limited given wartime constraints. Some operators have begun dispersing fuel storage to smaller, less conspicuous locations rather than concentrating reserves in large depots that present attractive targets. Others are investing in improved air defense coordination, working with military authorities to receive early warning of incoming threats. Mobile fuel distribution units — essentially tanker trucks that can serve as temporary gas stations — are being deployed in some affected areas to maintain basic service even after fixed infrastructure is destroyed.

Historical parallels offer both warnings and hope. During World War II, Allied bombing campaigns against German fuel infrastructure proved devastatingly effective at crippling Nazi military capabilities, demonstrating just how vulnerable petroleum-dependent economies are to such attacks. However, Ukraine’s decentralized fuel distribution network, with thousands of small stations spread across the country, is inherently more resilient than concentrated industrial targets. The challenge lies in maintaining enough operational capacity in each region to meet minimum essential needs while the war continues.

Looking ahead, experts emphasize that solving this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach: enhanced air defense coverage for critical infrastructure, rapid reconstruction programs for damaged facilities, strategic reserves positioned in protected locations, and continued diplomatic efforts to ensure uninterrupted fuel imports from European partners. The coming months will test Ukraine’s adaptability and resilience as never before, with the stability of the entire fuel supply system hanging in the balance. For millions of Ukrainians, the question of whether they can fill their tanks has become yet another front in a war that increasingly targets the foundations of civilian life.