Over the course of just over a month, Russian forces have repeatedly attacked large shopping centres, shops, warehouses and distribution hubs in various regions of Ukraine. The infrastructure of Epicentre, ROZETKA, Nova Poshta, Aurora, METRO and other companies has been targeted. This series of attacks poses an increased risk to visitors and staff at such premises during air raid alerts.
Briefly about the main points
- Attacks on retail and logistics facilities took place between 20 July and 24 August.
- Large logistics centres in Kyiv and the surrounding region were destroyed or severely damaged.
- At least 16 people were killed in Kryvyi Rih during a two-wave attack.
- Targets in Dnipro, Sloviansk, Trostyanets and Odesa were also hit.
- During an emergency, the State Emergency Service advises people to take shelter and avoid glass structures.
The first strikes hit shopping centres and warehouses
On the evening of 20 July, a drone struck the «Epicentre» shopping centre in Sumy. A massive fire broke out in the shopping centre, and the emergency services were forced to suspend their work due to repeated attacks. The building, covering an area of over 23,000 square metres, was virtually completely destroyed by fire.
On 26 July, Russian troops attacked the only «Epicentre» in Kryvyi Rih. The fire spread across more than 16,000 square metres; at the time, it was reported that there were no casualties.
On the night of 4 August, the warehouses of «Lasunka», Biosphere and the chocolate manufacturer Millennium were damaged or destroyed in Dnipro. Following a drone strike, Biosphere’s finished goods warehouse, covering an area of around 20,000 square metres, was burnt down.
The attack on 5 August caused disruption to logistics in Kyiv
On the night of 5 August, the following were destroyed or seriously damaged logistics facilities «Epicentre», «Nova Poshta», ROZETKA and other companies in Kyiv and the surrounding region. ROZETKA’s largest distribution centre in Brovary was beyond repair following several missile strikes.
«Nova Poshta» lost its sorting centre in Kyiv, where people lost their lives. One of «Epicentre’s» key logistics centres in the capital was destroyed by fire, whilst production and warehousing facilities in Kalynivka were damaged.
In mid- and late August, the attacks spread to new regions
On 12 August, Russia struck the «Epicentre» shopping centre in Zaporizhzhia, where a major fire broke out. According to initial reports from the authorities, no one was injured.
During the large-scale attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region on 20 August, warehouses and logistics facilities linked to VARUS, «EKO Market», «Fora», Yves Rocher, «Fayni Lody» and FM Logistic were damaged. An oil depot was also hit KLO. METRO Ukraine has reported the loss of part of its stock and possible temporary disruptions to the availability of certain products and deliveries.
On the same day in Sloviansk, a drone struck the «Aurora» shop, where customers and staff were present: three people were injured. Subsequently, the «Aurora» distribution centre in the Poltava region, the Mondelēz factory in Trostyanets – where five employees were injured – and two «Epicentre» stores in Odesa were also struck.
The second explosion in Kryvyi Rih occurred during the rescue operation
On 21 August, Russian drones attacked shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih in two waves. A second explosion occurred about half an hour later, whilst rescue workers were already on the scene.
According to the latest reports, at least 16 people have been killed and more than 130 injured. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as a deliberate terrorist strike. Reuters and the Financial Times highlighted the use of the tactic of striking the same location repeatedly.
What visitors and staff should do during an air-raid alert
There have been no public official statements from the Air Force, the Main Intelligence Directorate or other Ukrainian services regarding specific shopping centres or shops targeted for forthcoming strikes. At the same time, the frequency of the attacks implies an increased risk to large retail and logistics complexes during air raid alerts.
The State Emergency Service recommends that, following an air-raid siren, you should immediately head for the nearest shelter and remain there until the all-clear is officially given. The risk of blast waves and falling debris is increased near windows, large shop windows and other glass structures.
After being hit, you should not drive or walk to the scene of the attack to look at the damage or take videos. The events in Kryvyi Rih have shown that a follow-up strike can take place within a short space of time.
