In recent days, the Ukrainian information space has been flooded with reports of a critical fuel shortage and the complete destruction of infrastructure on key routes. In particular, social media and news outlets have circulated claims that there is not a single functioning gas station left on the highway connecting Kharkiv and Poltava. However, official government representatives have categorically refuted these rumors.
Official position: no shortage
Oleh Synehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, made an official statement aimed at clarifying the real situation in the region. He assured residents and visitors that the fuel infrastructure is operating normally and there is no shortage of fuel.
"Information from some media outlets claiming that there is not a single functioning gas station left on the route from Kharkiv to Poltava does not correspond to reality," Synehubov emphasized in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
According to the Head of the Regional Military Administration, to ensure the stable operation of gas stations, the authorities have already coordinated special measures for physical passive protection with representatives of the networks. This allows infrastructure objects to continue operating despite increased risks.
Conflict of versions: rumors vs. facts
Rumors of the total destruction of gas stations arose against the backdrop of sharp statements by other local politicians. Yesterday, Alexander Skorik, a deputy of the Kharkiv Regional Council, reported that Russia had destroyed more than 80 gas stations in the region.
"As of today, all gas stations on the Kharkiv-Kyiv highway, specifically on the section from Kharkiv to Poltava, have been completely destroyed: in the settlement of Valky, in the city of Chutovo, and further along the road to Poltava," Skorik claimed.
These words sparked panic, however, Synehubov insists that the situation is under control and fuel is available to the population.
Targeted attacks and air defense operations
Despite the refutation of rumors about a total collapse, the threat to infrastructure remains real. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov previously stated that Russian forces are deliberately attacking the city's gas stations. He urged residents and visitors of Kharkiv not to be on the territory of gas stations without urgent necessity.
Terekhov also noted that strikes on gas stations are intensifying not only in the Kharkiv region but also in other regions of Ukraine. He admitted that "there is a way out," but did not reveal details of plans to adapt to the new reality.
For his part, Synehubov thanked the Ukrainian military for their effective work in protecting the sky. According to his data, in just the last week, air defense forces shot down more than 100 enemy aerial targets over Kharkiv and the region. This has allowed the preservation of the functionality of key economic and infrastructure objects.
