Ukraine has lost half of its warehouses: co-owner of the chain talks about the retail situation and risks of shortages

Statements about the destruction of 90% of warehouse facilities in Ukraine are not true and are a manipulation aimed at creating panic. At the current intensity of attacks from Russia, it may take decades to destroy the logistics infrastructure. Therefore, Ukrainians should not hoard goods.

As reported by Dilo, this was stated by Ruslan Shostak, co-owner of the EVA and Varus chains.

The entrepreneur reminded that recently the media picked up information that 90% of warehouses in Ukraine have been destroyed. Following this, photographs of empty shelves in stores appeared.

"This is a direct 'victory' of Russia over Ukrainian retail. I believe that the spread of such disinformation only plays into the hands of the enemy. We must critically assess the numbers and facts," emphasized Shostak.

He noted that it is currently impossible to destroy all warehouses. Since the beginning of the war, 2.1 million square meters of class A and B+ warehouses have been destroyed in Ukraine. Of these, 1.5 million are in the Kyiv region. Moreover, 900 thousand square meters have been destroyed since the beginning of 2026. At the start of the war, the number of Ukrainian warehouses was estimated at around 4.2 million square meters of class A and B. Additionally, since the beginning of the war, another 800 thousand square meters have been put into operation.

In total, there were 5 million square meters of warehouse space in Ukraine. 2.1 million square meters have been destroyed. Approximately 2.9 million square meters remain. This means nearly 50% of the highest classes. Shostak believes that if we take into account the warehouse facilities of large enterprises across the country, this will add tens of millions of square meters of various classes. He emphasized that at such intensity, it will take decades for Russia to destroy 90% of Ukrainian warehouses, provided they are not restored in Ukraine at all.

"Therefore, I consider the spread of such news to be a blow to the reputation of Ukrainian logistics and a manipulative way to create panic within the country," stated Shostak.

Shostak acknowledged that attacks on stores and warehouses cause significant damage to retail.

"It is bitter to admit, but what is happening now is a real tragedy. And if someone wants to support their favorite chain - come. Make purchases. This is the best support in the current reality," noted the co-owner of the EVA and Varus chains.

At the same time, he urged not to panic-buy goods, as there will be no shortages in Ukraine. In his assessment, the necessary goods can always be found, if not in this store, then in another. In case of damage or destruction of a trading facility, the chains require a maximum of two weeks to restore supply chains and open a new point.

Since August 2026, Russia has been deliberately affecting warehouses and food logistics in Ukraine.

According to the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotsky, about 90% of food storage capacities in Ukraine have been destroyed due to Russian attacks. However, there is no threat of famine or systemic physical shortages of products.

In just the last few days, the following enterprises have been damaged:

• Roshen Confectionery Corporation -- the Russian attack destroyed a warehouse in Chubynske, which provided storage and subsequent delivery of finished confectionery products. The attack led to significant material losses, particularly the loss of products, so there may be temporary interruptions in the supply of certain goods in the near future;
• "Avrora" store chain -- the Russian attack destroyed the distribution center of the chain;
• "Fora" store chain -- the logistics facility of the chain in the Kyiv region was damaged, which the "Fora" chain had just started using a few days ago. The "Fora" stores continue to operate as usual, and the team is restructuring logistics routes for uninterrupted supply of goods to the shelves;
• "Kolo" store chain -- the logistics facility of the chain was damaged. Due to the consequences of the attack, there may be temporary delays in the supply of certain items;
• Varus chain -- a large number of goods have been destroyed, and there may be delays in deliveries.

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