In brief
Ukrainian drones struck several Ozon warehouses across Russia, igniting fires and injuring personnel. The attacks followed a pattern of targeting businesses seen as providing dual‑use goods to the military. Shares of Ozon and its parent company fell sharply, prompting the Kremlin to offer support. The strikes deepen the war’s impact on ordinary Russians who rely on online shopping. Both governments deny deliberate civilian targeting.
Multiple warehouses under fire
Ozon confirmed that logistics centres in Krasnodar, Dagestan, Stavropol and Adygea were set ablaze by Ukrainian drone strikes overnight, and some workers were injured. The company first reported a fire in Makhachkala at 05:00 local time, then a major blaze in Krasnodar. Russian defence officials said three children died in the Krasnodar strike and six more were hospitalized.
Economic ripple effects
Shares of Ozon fell by up to 12% on the Moscow Exchange, while its major shareholder AFK Sistema saw a nearly 13% slump. The Kremlin said it was "working with business representatives to develop options for providing support" as the company grapples with the attacks.
Context of the targeting dispute
Ukraine has targeted competitor Wildberries, claiming it supplies weapons components to the Russian army. Moscow denies that the platforms are used for military purposes but has launched retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian economic targets. Both sides deny deliberate civilian harm.
Impact on ordinary consumers
Ozon and Wildberries, often dubbed Russia’s Amazon, serve 85-90% of the country’s active population, especially in remote areas where physical shops are scarce. The attacks bring the war closer to civilians by disrupting daily supply chains. The Kremlin has rejected claims that the marketplaces provide dual‑use goods.
For more context, see related stories on Wildberries and Ukraine’s long‑range missile blueprints.
