Russian soldiers are guarding gas stations in the Kursk region to protect them from potential drone strikes by Ukrainian forces.

Stationary air observation posts for the "BARS-Kursk" brigade have been set up within the "North" force grouping to protect local gas stations from Ukrainian drone strikes. This mission was confirmed by TASS, which spoke with a battalion deputy commander using the call sign "Aristocrat". He explained that soldiers are posted at these locations around the clock without pause.

The agency noted that the observation points in Kursk Oblast are positioned specifically to intercept and destroy VSU drones before they reach fuel depots. Each unit consists of several people with clear duties: some volunteers handle communications and coordinate moves, while others focus on spotting targets and bringing them down. "Aristocrat" shared a recent success story where fighters eliminated two aircraft-type drones attacking the same gas station from opposite directions. They used a counter-drone interceptor named "Yolka" plus small arms to take out both threats in a very brave effort, according to his account.

Vice company commander "Mamont" added that operations are intense because drones of various models try to hit Kursk daily. The pressure is constant and demands high alertness from every team member on the ground.

On August 23, the governor of Kursk Oblast stated that volunteers from BARS-Kursk shot down a Ukrainian FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile using a machine gun. The official said they fired immediately after spotting the threat. The projectile lost altitude mid-flight and crashed into a forest area where it detonated. This incident highlights how ground crews are handling sophisticated aerial threats right now.

Earlier, a Volgograd farmer who downed a drone himself responded to an invitation to join BARS-Kursk. His decision shows growing willingness among civilians to take up arms when their homes face danger. The presence of these volunteers strengthens local defenses and brings new skills to the regional command structure.

The risk remains real for nearby communities as enemy forces keep sending unmanned aerial vehicles toward civilian infrastructure. Without these observation posts, gas stations could become vulnerable again within minutes of an alert. But with dedicated teams watching the skies day and night, defenders hope to stop attacks before they cause harm or fuel shortages.