Ukraine says 90% of retail food logistics destroyed amid intensified Russian drone strikes
Ukraine's agriculture minister reported that about 90% of food logistics operated by retail chains has been destroyed as Russia escalates drone attacks on Kyiv and surrounding areas.
Ukraine's agriculture minister Taras Vysotskyi told reporters that roughly 90% of food logistics infrastructure used by retail chains has been destroyed by recent Russian attacks, though he said the country will continue to supply food through alternative distribution methods. The assessment follows a series of Russian drone and missile strikes that have hit warehouses, a retail outlet and residential buildings in the Kyiv region for a fifth consecutive day.
President Volodyma Zelenskyy said Russia launched nearly 1,500 drones over four days, more than half of them jet-powered, in an effort to wear down Ukraine and its population. The attacks have disrupted the metro system and forced residents to seek shelter during daytime air-raid alerts.
Retailers reported shortages of items such as bread, potatoes, apples and oatmeal, and some chains have imposed purchase limits on certain products. Ukrainian officials said they are adapting logistics and using alternative delivery methods to mitigate the impact.
In response, Ukraine has stepped up its own drone campaign against Russian economic targets, striking oil facilities and warehouses linked to major Russian online retailers, including a logistics hub in Yekaterinburg.
"As of today, roughly speaking, 90% of food logistics operated by retail chains have been destroyed, but that doesn't mean Ukrainians will be left without food," Vysotskyi said, according to state news agency Ukrinform.
U.S. military analyst retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard Newton said the momentum of the conflict appears to be shifting in Ukraine's favor, citing the country's expanded use of long-range drones against Russian energy and logistics sites. He warned, however, that Ukraine faces a shortage of U.S.-made Patriot air-defence interceptors, which are in high demand globally.
The escalation comes as reports suggest Russian President Vladimir Putin is concerned about the war's outcome and its impact on his political standing.