Ukrainian drones knock out more than a quarter of Belgorod's gas stations in five days
From July 19 to 23, Ukrainian drones hit at least 19 gas stations in and around Belgorod, accounting for 26.7% of the city's stations. This is the worst week yet for the Russian border city's fuel supply.
According to data from the independent Russian investigative outlet Agentstvo, Ukrainian forces have attacked gas stations in the Belgorod region at least 24 times since July 20, with authorities confirming 21 of those attacks. This week's total is the highest of the summer, Agentstvo said.
The strikes, compiled by the news outlet Pepel, targeted stations belonging to Rosneft, Lukoil, Gazprom Neft, Teboil, and the local Smart chain. Pepel's journalists noted that the 19 stations represent 26.7% of the 71 stations in the city and surrounding area.
Local news outlet Bel.ru reported that Belgorod came under attack again on July 23, and that "many gas stations are closed," though it did not specify how many. Pepel reported that lines formed at stations that remained open. At least one Smart-chain station adjusted its hours, now operating only from 5 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., citing "the current operational situation and to ensure the safety" of customers.
In recent weeks, Russia has intensified strikes on gas stations in the Kharkiv region and other frontline areas. The rise in Ukrainian attacks "looks like a symmetric response to Russian strikes," military analyst Kirill Mikhailov told Agentstvo.
