Russian armed forces have significantly intensified their strikes on Ukrainian fuel stations in recent weeks. Stations in Kyiv and on international highways have come under fire, forcing the government to react urgently. Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi announced in his Telegram channel that the Cabinet of Ministers is preparing a package of new security measures, the key element of which will be an automatic alert system to notify staff and visitors of approaching enemy unmanned aerial vehicles. According to him, ministers have been tasked with "maximally accelerating" the implementation of this software solution.
Emergency meeting: seven agencies and market operators
To develop a comprehensive plan for protecting ground-based fuel infrastructure, the government held an emergency meeting with the participation of market operators and representatives of key agencies: the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Secretariat of National Security and Defense, the State Emergency Service, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. During the meeting, participants discussed strengthening protective structures for elements of ground-based fuel station infrastructure, as well as the construction of shelters for staff and customers. The prime minister assured that coordination of actions with representatives of the fuel market in crisis conditions would take place on a regular basis.
Technological novelty: software for UAV detection
The main technological innovation discussed at the meeting was a special software solution — an automatic alert system for approaching enemy drones. As designed by the developers, the algorithms are to track the aerial threat in real time and instantly signal to the station staff and customers on the premises, allowing them to take shelter in a timely manner. Koretskyi emphasized that ministers received a clear task to accelerate the implementation of this solution so that it would be operational in the shortest possible time.
Fuel prices and logistics: reaction to the global rise in quotes
In addition to security issues, the meeting analyzed the balance of petroleum products and price dynamics. The prime minister noted that due to events in the Middle East and disruptions in supply chains, global oil quotes are again showing growth, which inevitably provokes a corresponding reaction in the domestic market of Ukraine. To stabilize logistics, the parties outlined a clear action plan for rail transport, as well as for simplifying customs procedures for fuel tankers — similar to the mechanism that was in place in 2022. "We are responding to business requests — the response must be quick and effective," Koretskyi stated.
September 11 strikes on "Ukrnafta" and new safety rules
The direct trigger for adopting the new measures was a series of strikes on September 11, when Russian occupiers attacked two "Ukrnafta" fuel stations in the capital. One of the stations was hit by a double strike, which led to significant destruction of the buildings and critical damage to the equipment. The photographs from the scene show completely destroyed fuel pumps with the inscription "GASOLINE," structural debris, and piles of brick and metal. After the latest series of strikes, "Ukrnafta" addressed its customers and introduced stricter safety rules: gas stations fully cease operations during air raids, and visitors are urged to immediately leave the station premises and proceed to shelter.
