On Wednesday, July 22, Sumy became the target of coordinated attacks by Russian occupiers. Two gas stations in different districts of the city — Kovpakivskyi and Zarechne — were hit. As a result of the strikes, large-scale fires broke out, engulfing the territories of the gas stations.
Two strikes, two fire outbreaks
Sergei Krivosheenko, Head of the Sumy City Military Administration, confirmed that the enemy struck a gas station in the Kovpakivskyi district. The hit led to a rapid fire. Almost simultaneously, another Russian drone attacked a gas station in the Zarechne district — where a fire also started.
Footage from the scene shows bright tongues of flame engulfing building structures and thick black smoke rising into the sky. Fire brigades are already on site: they are laying out hoses, attempting to localize the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring objects.
Threat of repeated strikes and call for caution
Krivosheenko warned residents: there is a real threat of repeated attacks. He urged everyone to stay in safe places during air raids and not to approach the sites of impact — unexploded elements may remain there, or there may be a risk of re-ignition.
According to preliminary data, there are no casualties. However, the final consequences of the strikes — including damage to infrastructure and possible hidden risks — are still being established.
Context: escalation of attacks on civilian infrastructure
The attacks on gas stations in Sumy are not an isolated incident. Recently, Russian attack drones struck five gas stations in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Then, one woman died and three were injured. In response, local authorities decided to reduce fuel reserves at gas stations, install mobile shelters, and strengthen control over vehicle gatherings at gas stations by police forces.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that Russian units have been ordered to intensify drone attacks on civilian infrastructure and transport in frontline and border regions. The goal is to destabilize the lives of the population and disrupt logistics.
What's next?
Sumy remains in a zone of heightened danger. Residents are advised to follow safety rules during air raids, monitor official messages from authorities, and avoid dangerous areas. Fire and rescue services continue to work to eliminate the consequences of the strikes.
