Russian forces target major Ukrainian shopping centers with minimal warning time

Russian forces are expected to continue targeting major shopping centers in Ukraine, leaving people with as little as two minutes to evacuate after a warning is issued. According to Serhiy Beskrestnov, an advisor to the president of Ukraine on technology issues, the enemy is already attempting to destroy Epicentr stores in southern Ukraine, including in Odesa. He explained that Epicentr is not just a retail store, but also functions as a warehouse, making it a strategic target for Russian attacks.

Beskrestnov, also known by the call sign “Flesh,” told Radio NV on August 26 that future strikes are likely to focus on large shopping malls in Ukrainian cities to eliminate these commercial hubs. “This is why I advised about a week ago to be extra cautious in Epicentr stores. I understood that Epicentr is more than a store—it’s a warehouse store. Now, as we see in Odesa, Russian forces have started targeting Epicentr locations because they are such major supermarket chains,” he said.

Commenting on the evolving threats, Beskrestnov noted that Russia is unlikely to use ballistic missiles or dozens of Shahed kamikaze drones against smaller retail outlets. As examples of less likely targets, he mentioned Fora and ATB.

“The threat, first and foremost, is directed at large retail chains. I’m telling people, it’s no longer like before: when the siren goes off, you have ten minutes, because the Shahed drone isn’t in much of a hurry. Now, everything is changing,” he emphasized.

He warned that from the moment an air raid siren sounds, a Shahed drone could hit a shopping center within five to ten minutes. If ballistic missiles are used, there is even less time to reach shelter. Beskrestnov stressed that this danger applies not only to Kyiv but also to frontline regions.

On August 26, a business center in Lozova, Kharkiv region, was struck by Russian forces; people were forced to jump from windows to escape the burning building. Days earlier, a major shopping center in Dnipro was hit by a drone strike.