(KRASNODAR, STAVROPOL AND DAGESTAN, RUSSIA) – Ukrainian drone strikes have hit multiple Ozon logistics facilities across southern Russia for three consecutive nights, expanding the geography of attacks on Russian economic infrastructure.
In Krasnodar, Ozon confirmed its logistics centre came under drone attack. Employees were evacuated and no casualties were reported. A major fire broke out, operations were halted, goods intake was stopped and logistics routes were redistributed to other warehouses.
In Nevinnomyssk, Stavropol Krai, authorities confirmed a massive drone attack on an industrial zone with air defence activity. Russian and Ukrainian sources linked footage of the resulting fire to the regional Ozon fulfilment centre, which covers more than 93,000 square metres.
Reports also emerged of an attack on a logistics facility in Dagestan, linked to the Ozon complex in the Tyube Industrial Park. The complex covers approximately 130,000 square metres, with investments estimated at 9.6 billion roubles (£89 million / $113 million). It was built as the largest Ozon warehouse in the North Caucasus and can service up to 1,000 vehicles daily.
The strikes follow attacks on a major Ozon hub in Chapayevsk, Samara Oblast on 22nd August and a logistics centre in Orenburg Oblast the following day, where Ozon confirmed the evacuation of more than 300 people.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has stated it is systematically striking centres storing dual use goods. According to Ukrainian data, 15 major Wildberries logistics hubs were struck before the campaign expanded to Ozon. The aim is to complicate Russian military logistics while increasing the economic cost of the war.
The strikes are having a measurable impact on Russian financial stability. According to the Washington Post, Russians withdrew approximately 3.5 billion dollars (£2.8 billion) from bank deposits in the first two weeks of August alone. July saw outflows of 7.5 billion dollars (£5.9 billion) and June 4.5 billion dollars (£3.6 billion). Total summer withdrawals reached approximately 15 billion dollars (£11.8 billion).
Sberbank’s deputy chairman has warned that if the trend continues, withdrawals will double the figures from the first year of the war, when Russians removed 24.5 billion dollars (£19.3 billion).
Russian officials have contributed to the panic. Finance Minister Siluanov criticised Russians for keeping money “under the pillow” instead of in banks. Presidential economic adviser Oreshkin called it “incredible stupidity” for people to leave money idle in banks, suggesting funds should be placed in investment funds for the economy.
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