UKRAINE, KHARKIV, May 4 — Over the last week, Russian forces have launched 15 drone attacks on 11 gas stations in Kharkiv, reported Ihor Terekhov, the city’s mayor.
Despite Russian attacks, there are no fuel shortages in the city, Terekhov added. As of February, 2026, 143 gas stations, including those that were damaged, were operating in Kharkiv.
According to Terekhov, Russia used V2U kamikaze drones in attacks on gas stations — these are using artificial intelligence to identify such objects.
“The goal of such terror is clear. Russia wants to terrify and sow panic among us,” Terekhov said. Some gas stations Russia attacked twice — some fell near gas stations and didn’t explode.
On May 2, Russia launched another kamikaze drone attack on four gas stations in Kharkiv.
“There was a large explosion, then a black smoke came out. Everything turned red; that was a really large fire. Eventually, the firefighters came and distinguished it. I think everyone is alive,” said Iryna, who lives near the gas station that was completely destroyed after the Russian attack.
Today, the Kharkiv mayor also said that Russia injured 18 people last week. In addition to gas stations, Russia also attacked apartment buildings, transport infrastructure, and shops.
Read more
- Russian airstrikes on 20 settlements of Kharkiv oblast injure 5 people
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