Ukraine Drone Strikes Ozon Logistics Centers Across Russia

Ukrainian forces launched a wave of drone strikes on August 23-24 targeting logistics facilities belonging to Ozon, Russia's second-largest online retailer. The attacks hit warehouses in Krasnodar, Makhachkala, Adygeysk, Nevinnomyssk, and the Samara region. Fires broke out at facilities in Makhachkala, Krasnodar, and the Takhtamukay district of Adygea.

In Krasnodar, drone debris struck a private children's center. Reports on the casualties varied, with one source stating two children were killed and nine people injured, while the Russian Ministry of Defence reported three children dead. In Makhachkala, several employees were injured and warehouse operations were suspended. Ozon evacuated staff from facilities in Adygeysk and Nevinnomyssk due to threats, though no damage was reported at those specific sites.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine characterized the operation as systematic strikes on dual-use goods storage centres intended to complicate Russian logistics and damage the economy. In response, Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine had opened "Pandora's box" by targeting economic sites and vowed to hit Kyiv's most sensitive economic sectors. Simultaneously, Russian strikes in Ukraine's Odesa region targeted energy infrastructure and food storage, injuring five people.

Following the attacks, Ozon shares dropped approximately 12% on the Moscow Exchange to 2,600.5 rubles per share. The company is currently canceling orders that cannot be fulfilled and redistributing its logistics routes.