Ukraine advisor warns of Russian targeting of large shopping centers

Russia is increasingly targeting large shopping centers in Ukraine, a shift in tactics that requires civilians to react with extreme urgency to air raid sirens, according to a Ukrainian presidential advisor.

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Now we see that there are no red lines for the Russians, no morality...

Serhiy Beskrestnov, known by the call sign "Flash," stated in an interview with Radio NV that Russian forces now operate with "no red lines, no morality." He emphasized that unlike previous warnings which allowed several minutes to evacuate, the current threat from ballistic missiles means civilians have only "one or two minutes" to escape.

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So about a week ago I said that people should be careful in 'Epicenter' stores, because it is not just a store – it is both a store and a warehouse.

Beskrestnov specifically highlighted large retail chains like "Epicenter" as likely targets. He noted that Russia would not waste ballistic missiles or multiple Shahed drones on smaller stores but would focus on larger complexes that combine retail space with warehousing. This strategy aims to maximize damage and casualties.

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People, I am telling you, it's not like it used to be: the siren sounds and you have 10 minutes, because the 'Shahed' drone is not in a hurry. Now everything is changing.

The advisor's warning comes after a recent Russian attack on an Epicenter store in Odesa on August 24, which injured at least five people. Beskrestnov urged the public to be aware that the situation has changed, and the time between an air raid siren and a potential strike has significantly decreased, necessitating immediate action.

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Now ballistic missiles are used – that means one minute, and in the case of a jet 'Shahed' – literally a minute or two.