Russian forces increasingly target gas stations with long-range FPV drones, defense advisor says

Russian forces are increasingly using long-range FPV drones to target gas stations and other fuel infrastructure near the front line, according to a Ukrainian defense adviser.

Serhii Beskrestnov said on May 5 that Russian forces were trying to hit gas stations about 20 to 25 kilometers from the border or front using drones with small payloads. He urged gas-station owners in risk zones to protect fuel tanks and vulnerable access points with nets.

Ukrinform reported that the attacks are being carried out from above because a drone may lose radio communication if it flies too low. The warning followed a series of recent strikes on fuel stations in Kharkiv and surrounding areas.

Ukrainian officials said Russian forces attacked eight gas stations in Kharkiv over several days, and earlier reports described drones hitting multiple petrol stations there in a matter of minutes. The reporting suggests fuel infrastructure is becoming a more frequent target as the war continues.

The claims are based on Ukrainian officials and local reporting rather than independently verified battlefield footage. Even so, they point to a tactic that could spread beyond Kharkiv if the range and payload of the drones continue to improve.