Russia targets Ukrainian civilians at gas stations as Trump questions US Patriot missile aid

Russia is reportedly intensifying its campaign against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure by systematically targeting gas stations across the country. Since April 2026, approximately 200 fuel stations have been destroyed, with Ukrainian military intelligence indicating that Russian commanders have issued direct orders to increase drone strikes on commercial gas stations and civilian transport. These attacks, which have been occurring both near the front lines and in deeper regions like Poltava and Kyiv, are viewed by Ukrainian officials as an attempt to disrupt civilian life and retaliate for Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has expressed reservations regarding the provision of Patriot missile technology to Ukraine. While he had previously suggested in early July that the U.S. would grant Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missiles, Trump recently stated on July 31, 2026, that Washington has not agreed to such a transfer. He emphasized the need for caution with such advanced weaponry, calling it a "big step" and indicating that sharing the technology "would never happen," despite earlier discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the matter.