Orenburg, Russia – Governor Yevgeny Solntsev announced Sunday that debris from Ukrainian drones hit two industrial facilities in the Orenburg region, one of which was a warehouse owned by Ozon, the country’s second‑largest online retailer.
According to the governor, the Russian defence ministry intercepted six drones over the region and downed them, preventing further damage. Solntsev said no one was injured in the incident, but he did not identify the second facility that suffered damage.
Ozon’s response
Ozon issued a statement on its official Telegram channel confirming that the attack forced the evacuation of more than 300 employees from the Orenburg logistics centre. The company also halted all operations at the site while authorities assess the damage.
Recent pattern of attacks
This is not the first time Ozon has been targeted. On Saturday, Ukrainian drones struck an Ozon logistics centre in the Samara region, marking the retailer’s first known hit. The attacks on Ozon follow a series of drone strikes aimed at its larger rival Wildberries, which Ukrainian officials describe as part of a broader campaign against Russian economic infrastructure that supports the war in Ukraine.
Russia’s defence ministry reported that it shot down a total of 328 Ukrainian drones overnight, underscoring the intensity of the aerial campaign.
Impact on regional logistics
The disruption to Ozon’s Orenburg centre highlights the vulnerability of supply‑chain hubs in western Russia. Ozon, which handles a significant share of online retail traffic, employs thousands across the country, and any interruption can affect the availability of goods for local consumers.
Local businesses that rely on Ozon’s delivery network may experience delays as the company works to restore full operations. The incident also raises concerns about the safety of workers in logistics facilities located near conflict zones.
Government and defence response
Governor Solntsev praised the defence ministry’s rapid response, noting that the interception of the drones prevented further casualties and larger-scale damage. He emphasized that regional authorities remain vigilant and will continue to coordinate with federal security forces to protect critical infrastructure.
While the governor did not elaborate on any additional security measures, the statement suggests ongoing monitoring of aerial threats in the region.
Broader context
The drone attacks form part of an escalating pattern of cross‑border strikes that have targeted commercial and industrial sites throughout Russia since the conflict began. Analysts note that such attacks aim to disrupt the economic underpinnings of the war effort, putting pressure on both the government and private sector.
For Ozon, the incidents may prompt a reassessment of security protocols at its numerous warehouses and distribution centres, especially those situated in regions close to the front lines.
As the situation develops, both regional officials and Ozon’s leadership are expected to provide further updates on the extent of the damage and the timeline for resuming normal operations.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
