Russia destroys logistics centers of 13 major companies
In the most severe strike on the business sector since the war began, warehouses and production facilities of numerous well-known brands were hit, with at least 10 workers losing their lives.
In the most severe strike on the business sector since the war began, warehouses and production facilities of numerous well-known brands were hit, with at least 10 workers losing their lives.
Last night's Russian attack on Ukraine represents the most devastating blow to the country's economy since the start of the invasion. Missiles and drones targeted logistics centers, warehouses, and production facilities across the nation, hitting at least 13 companies, according to the Ukrainian channel Operatyvne ZSU, citing Novyny.Live.
The attack was not just a material blow. Three people died in the destroyed sorting center of Nova Poshta in Kyiv. The situation is even more tragic at the Silpo supermarket chain, where six workers lost their lives in fires at two distribution centers. One employee also died in the destruction of logistics complexes belonging to the Epicentr retail network. The total number of confirmed victims has thus reached ten.
The list of affected companies reads like a cross-section of the Ukrainian economy. The NOVUS retail chain reported several direct hits on its logistics center, which has completely halted operations, but fortunately without any casualties. Online retailer ROZETKA confirmed the destruction of its warehouse complex in Brovary, but operations continue.
Fozzy Group, which operates Silpo, expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Epicentr reported the destruction of two logistics complexes and the production facility of the Epicentr Ceramic Corporation ceramics factory.
The strike did not spare international companies either. INTERTOP, a Ukrainian footwear and clothing retailer, lost its main logistics warehouse. The sports brand PUMA confirmed the complete destruction of its warehouse and warned of a possible temporary shortage of certain products on the Ukrainian market.
A similar fate befell the central warehouse of LIQUI MOLY Ukraine, which was completely burned down, but all employees remained unharmed. Toyota Ukraine's auto distributor lost its warehouse for spare parts and additional equipment, announcing potential delays in supplying service centers and customers.
The scale of the damage suggests a targeted campaign aimed at paralyzing internal logistics and supply chains. By striking warehouses and distribution centers of key retail chains, from food to the automotive industry, the attack directly affects the daily lives of citizens and the stability of supplies of consumer goods. Companies have already announced efforts to rebuild and find alternative delivery solutions.
