In Druzhkivka, Donetsk region, which has been in the frontline zone for a long time and is regularly subjected to attacks, a major change is taking place in the logistics sector. The company 'Nova Poshta' has decided to temporarily suspend the operation of the last two remaining branches in the city. This is a forced measure dictated by the critical security situation and constant Russian shelling of the settlement.
Closure Schedule and Reasons for the Decision
According to an official statement by the company, the closure process will be phased. Branch No. 3 will cease operations as early as June 9. A little later, on June 18, Branch No. 1 will also close its doors. The press service of 'Nova Poshta' emphasized that the decision was made solely to protect the lives and health of employees and customers. Constant strikes on the city make physical presence in offices too dangerous.
Until the last moment, the company tried to keep the branches running, understanding their critical importance for the residents. Druzhkivka, deprived of stable water supply and electricity, relied on logistics centers not only as points for receiving goods. In the conditions of destroyed infrastructure, the branches became places where one could receive life-saving medicines, food, send things to relatives, and also charge gadgets during rolling power outages.
Alternative for Residents: Postamats
Despite the closure of offices, the residents of Druzhkivka will not be left completely without service. 9 postamats (automated parcel lockers) will continue to function in the city. Through these automated points, citizens will be able to both receive and send parcels. The company assured that it will ensure logistics for the postamats as long as it is safe for drivers and couriers making deliveries.
The scale of work performed by the branches is confirmed by the numbers. Only in May, about 10,000 shipments passed through 'Nova Poshta' points in Druzhkivka. This indicates that logistics remained one of the few functioning life-support systems in the city.
Fate of Employees and Prospects for Return
The issue of security also affected the personnel. For the period of temporary closure, all employees of local branches were offered the opportunity to find employment in safer regions of Ukraine. This allowed the company to retain its staff and ensure employees working conditions away from the zone of active hostilities.
'Nova Poshta' does not plan to abandon Druzhkivka forever. The company noted that it intends to return to full-fledged work in the city and other settlements of the Donetsk region as soon as the security situation allows.
Context of the Situation in Druzhkivka
The decision to close branches fits into the general picture of infrastructure destruction in the city. Druzhkivka is under constant pressure from Russian air strikes. Previously, journalists recorded the evacuation of residents and the work of rescue teams, such as 'White Angels', who evacuate people from the city where there are practically no utility services left, and only one pharmacy is working.
The particular acuteness of the situation is highlighted by a recent attack that took place on June 1. Then the occupiers dropped three FAB-250 aviation bombs with UMPK on Druzhkivka. The strike hit residential high-rise buildings. As a result of the attack, five civilians were injured, and at least five houses were damaged. It is under such conditions that the continuation of the work of stationary offices became impossible.