Ukrnafta fortifies filling stations with blast barriers amid Russian attacks

Ukrnafta: Ukrnafta is Ukraine's largest state-owned oil company that operates a major network of filling stations nationwide. In the current conflict it is fortifying its facilities with sand-filled blast barriers and concrete shelters while maintaining operations and fuel supply amid Russian strikes on energy infrastructure in cities like Kyiv. Denys Shmyhal: Denys Shmyhal serves as Ukraine's Energy Minister. He has addressed the impact of Russian attacks on the country's fuel retail network and the broader resilience of energy supplies during the ongoing war. Lesya Zharska: Lesya Zharska is the director of the fuel stations network at state-owned Ukrnafta. She has publicly detailed the company's protective measures at stations, its protocol during air alerts, and its preparedness to restore operations quickly after attacks while ensuring winter supply security. Seasonal Risks: Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities are widely expected to increase as winter approaches and temperatures drop. Attack Patterns: Russian forces have broadened strikes on fuel infrastructure beyond frontline zones to include major cities such as Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv. Infrastructure Protection: Ukrainian fuel retailers are installing sand-filled gabions and shelters at filling stations to shield against aerial attacks in population centers.