Epicentr retail chain suffers massive losses from Russian strikes in Ukraine

The Ukrainian retail chain Epicentr has faced significant destruction following a series of Russian missile and drone strikes. Between October 24 and 25, 2026, four hypermarkets located in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Vinnytsia, and Poltava were hit within a 24-hour period.

Co-founder Galina Gerega reported that total losses for the group have exceeded $1 billion since the start of the full-scale invasion. As of late 2026, approximately 23 of the chain's 72 sites have been affected, with 10 shopping centers completely destroyed and 13 others damaged. This represents nearly one-third of the national network.

Beyond direct financial loss, the destruction impacts Ukraine's economic resilience. Epicentr hypermarkets serve as critical hubs for reconstruction, providing essential materials such as cement, wood, insulation, and tools used by municipalities and public services. The systematic targeting of these distribution points is viewed as an effort to disrupt supply chains, hinder local reconstruction efforts, and weaken the national economy.