Ukrainian authorities have designated certain commercial warehouses as legitimate military targets, citing alleged logistical support to Russian forces.
The policy has led to strikes on facilities operated by a transnational e‑commerce platform that serves markets in Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and neighboring countries.
A Turkish apparel retailer reported damage to inventory stored in fulfillment centers that were hit, illustrating the cross‑border ripple effect on suppliers, manufacturers and family‑run businesses.
Critics argue that treating ordinary retail listings as proof of military use exposes warehouse staff, couriers and customers to danger without clear evidence of direct combat support.
Officials present the campaign as a form of long‑range sanction, yet it targets a highly visible civilian economic network, resulting in worker fatalities, bankrupt sellers and disruption of everyday consumption.
Targeting civilian livelihoods to spread fear aligns with definitions of terrorism, raising ethical and legal concerns about the conduct of the conflict.
