Some supermarket shelves may look different for a while, but officials say the real story is unfolding behind the scenes in supply routes.
Ukraine is not expected to face food shortages, and the temporary absence of certain items from stores may be linked only to the restructuring of logistics following Russian attacks. Russian propaganda is trying to fuel panic over “empty shelves,” the Center for Countering Disinformation reported on Telegram, citing Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
There Will Be No Food Shortages in Ukraine
Andriy Kovalenko explained that enemy strikes create difficulties in delivering goods, but retail chains and suppliers are changing their routes. Therefore, issues with product availability in certain supermarkets are temporary and logistical in nature.
Are there any reasons to panic? No, there are not. They are striking logistics, but logistics is being restructured. There will be no shortages. Some supermarkets have empty shelves, while others do not. Accordingly, this is a logistics shortage, not a food shortage. The logistics shortage, just as it was with fuel in 2022, will disappear, logistics will be restructured, and products will be on the shelves. Everything will be fine
– Andriy Kovalenko
Russia Is Trying to Trigger Panic Buying
According to Kovalenko, Russia seeks to create a sense of chaos and push Ukrainians into impulsive bulk purchases. He stressed that food supplies are sufficient, while warehouses are being partially dispersed to ensure the stable operation of the supply system.
There is no need to play this game. You will not be left without buckwheat, pasta, sugar, and so on. The products will be there; they exist. Warehouses are being dispersed to a certain extent, and certain non-public measures are also being taken to ensure that logistics functions properly. Do not fall for the panic. Their campaign will not succeed. We created a fuel shortage for them because we are taking out production facilities – their oil refineries. They cannot take out our production, and besides, some goods are imported. Logistics will certainly be restructured
– Andriy Kovalenko
Russian attacks on warehouses and logistics hubs can indeed briefly affect the availability of specific products or brands in individual stores. However, this does not indicate a food crisis: once supply routes are adjusted, products will return to shelves as usual.