Russian forces destroy warehouses with products from two tobacco companies: will there be a shortage

On the night of August 5, 2026, Russian occupiers destroyed warehouses storing products of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and "Imperial Brands Ukraine". The companies' press services announced the incident, according to Економічна правда.

"As a result of the Russian attack on Kyiv on the night of August 5, a warehouse of finished goods belonging to JTI Ukraine in the Kyiv region was destroyed.

There are no casualties among the company's employees; the safety and well-being of our staff remains the company's top priority," – JTI reported.

The company, however, did not specify the extent of the damage. JTI does not anticipate disruptions in the supply of its products to retail outlets.

"Imperial Brands Ukraine" also told EP that goods in warehouses of distributors and retail partners were damaged during the latest shelling. It is unknown whether this refers to the same warehouses where JTI products were damaged.

"Imperial Brands" estimates the damage from the recent strikes at "tens of millions of hryvnias".

"This caused short-term supply disruptions in certain areas of the capital. The company suffered the greatest losses in 2023 from a direct hit," — noted Yevhenii Kobets, Director of "Imperial Brands Ukraine".

In Ukraine, 94% of the tobacco products market is divided among four companies: "Philip Morris Ukraine" (market share 34%), "JTI Ukraine" (JTI, 22%), "British American Tobacco Ukraine" (market share 26%), "Imperial Brands Ukraine" (share 12%).