Retailers explained what Ukrainians can expect following Russia's strikes on warehouses
Russia’s massive strikes on Ukraine’s trade and logistics infrastructure are not expected to cause a nationwide shortage of goods. At the same time, some regions and stores may experience temporary supply disruptions, a reduced product selection, and a gradual increase in logistics costs.
According to Zhuk, there is currently no reason to expect a large-scale shortage of food, household chemicals, or home goods.
Large retail chains have:
- several logistics centers;
- alternative supply routes;
- their own or contracted transportation;
- the ability to quickly redistribute goods between regions.
This is precisely what allows businesses to maintain stable supplies even after attacks on individual warehouse complexes.
Although there is no threat of a general shortage, local and short-term disruptions are still possible.
If a destroyed warehouse held significant stocks of certain products, some stores may experience:
- a temporary reduction in product assortment;
- a lack of certain product items;
- replacement of products with alternatives.
In such cases, companies will have to transfer goods from other warehouses, reorder them from manufacturers, or change their logistics routes.
The expert noted that the greatest financial losses are incurred by companies whose logistics facilities were destroyed.
This refers not only to the loss of warehouse space but also to:
- inventory;
- transportation;
- automated equipment;
- warehouse equipment;
- logistics recovery costs.
The situation could be particularly challenging for marketplaces and delivery services, on which thousands of Ukrainian sellers depend.
The Ukrainian Retailers Association does not foresee a sharp rise in prices solely due to isolated attacks on logistics centers.
At the same time, businesses will be forced to increase spending on:
- renting and equipping new warehouses;
- reorganizing delivery routes;
- backup transportation;
- security and insurance;
- restocking inventory.
Some of these costs may eventually affect the final price of products.
However, as Andriy Zhuk emphasized, prices are influenced by many factors, including exchange rates, the purchase cost of goods, fuel and energy prices, wage levels, and market competition.
Therefore, the initial consequences of the Russian attacks may include temporary shortages of certain goods, a reduction in the number of promotions and special offers, and the replacement of certain items with alternatives—rather than widespread shortages or sharp price increases.
This was reported by Andriy Zhuk, head of the Ukrainian Retailers Association.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi held an emergency meeting with representatives of business, retail, and logistics companies following massive Russian strikes on warehouse and retail infrastructure.
Vladimir Poperechnyuk, co-founder of “Nova Poshta,” stated that Russia is moving into a new phase of the war, attempting to inflict maximum damage on the Ukrainian economy. In his view, under these circumstances, the government should focus on creating conditions for businesses to adapt quickly, rather than increasing regulatory pressure.
To support Ukrainian businesses suffering losses due to Russian shelling, a series of practical measures must be implemented as soon as possible.
