Russia’s latest campaign against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure has targeted over 200 gas stations, with the aim of intimidating and sowing fear among the population. The attacks have concentrated on gas stations close to the front lines, as well as those near the capital Kyiv.
Impact on Civilians
The gas station attacks have had a significant impact on Ukrainian civilians, who rely on these stations for fuel, food, and other essential supplies. The stations have become key points of refuge for evacuees, soldiers, and haulage drivers, providing a place to rest, refuel, and recuperate.
According to Yaroslav Starovoitenko, president of the Ukrainian Oil and Gas Association, the Russian attacks are aimed at intimidating ordinary civilians. ‘Gas stations became these key points of refuge as people fled the war. Then Russia tried to cause an intentional blackout, cutting off electricity and heating to freeze us out in the winter,’ he said.
The attacks have also had a psychological impact on the population, with many Ukrainians living in fear of the next attack. However, some, like Serhiy, a former soldier, remain defiant. ‘If a strike comes here, what’s the difference?’ he said. ‘It didn’t kill me on the front line, so it won’t kill me here.’
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
