Ukrnafta installs concrete shelters at Kyiv gas stations amid Russian attacks

Ukraine's state-owned oil company Ukrnafta is installing concrete shelters at 13 gas stations in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast following Russian attacks targeting fuel infrastructure in the capital region, the company announced on September 28. CEO Bohdan Kukura stated that the shelters will initially be placed in densely populated areas and near major roads, accessible to anyone in the vicinity.

Kukura emphasized that people's safety is the top priority amidst Russia's systematic attacks on civilian facilities that cities and communities rely on. The company has previously utilized similar shelters at gas stations in frontline regions and is now expanding this measure to Kyiv and the surrounding area due to the escalating Russian assaults on the capital and its outskirts.

Ukrnafta has already erected gabion barriers at 25 facilities in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, with one station's barrier withstanding a Russian strike last week, mitigating the explosion and preventing debris spread. During higher-level air raid alerts, Ukrnafta gas stations temporarily halt operations, requiring staff and customers to evacuate to a safer location.

The company continues repairing damaged facilities and enhancing protection at its stations while ensuring fuel supply. This action follows a week-long Russian aerial campaign against Kyiv, which has included numerous strikes on gas stations and other civilian infrastructure. On September 28, Russian drones targeted the city during the daytime, resulting in one fatality, at least 21 injuries, and damage to the National Academy of Sciences building, a Dobrobut medical center, and other sites in the city center.