The duration of air raids in shopping centers is decreasing: what does this mean and how will it affect business in 2025
3 April 2025 17:27
Since the beginning of 2025, Ukraine has seen a positive trend in the duration of air raids during shopping malls’ opening hours. According to the Ukrainian Council of Shopping Centers (UCC), a gradual decrease in the share of time during which shopping centers were forced to suspend operations due to the threat of missile or drone attacks has been recorded for three months in a row, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Thus, in January 2025, this figure was 12.7%, which means that shopping centers could not fully operate for more than one eighth of the time. In February, the share dropped to 11.4%, and in March – to 11.0%. This means that every month the percentage of time when shopping centers cannot serve visitors due to alarms is decreasing, albeit slowly.
This reduction is of great economic importance. Reducing the duration of air raid alarms allows shopping centers to provide a more stable operating schedule, avoid chaotic shutdowns, improve service levels and increase customer loyalty. This is especially important in regions where shopping malls are not only commercial sites, but also social spaces with shelters, recreation areas, pharmacies, bank branches, etc.
Businesses operating in shopping malls, including tenants, are also feeling some relief: shorter business interruptions mean more stable sales, less profit loss and the ability to predict financial performance. In the current economic situation, every additional hour of uninterrupted operation counts.
However, the URTC emphasizes that the situation remains unstable and depends on the overall level of security in the country. Further reduction in the duration of alarms cannot be guaranteed as Russian shelling continues. At the same time, business adaptability and the ability to respond to changes have become important factors in the resilience of the Ukrainian trade sector.
Where are the most dangerous regions for shopping malls in Ukraine?
The most dangerous region for shopping malls in terms of security threats after almost a year’s break was again Donetsk region (60.1%). However, in general, the top five regions with the highest number of interruptions in shopping malls due to air raid alarms remained unchanged. It includes:
- Sumy region (58.6%),
- Dnipropetrovska oblast (33.9%),
- Zaporizhzhia region (25.0%),
- Kharkiv region (24.3%).
In the future, further development of the infrastructure of shelters, digital alert solutions, and coordination with local authorities can help to further reduce the impact of air raids on commercial activities. The URTC also emphasizes the importance of government support for the development of shopping center engineering security, in particular through compensation or tax benefits for facilities that equip full-fledged shelters.
In general, although the threat remains, the March figures demonstrate an important signal: despite the war, business continues to adapt and find ways to maintain its viability – even in the face of air danger.
What you need to know about air alerts in Ukraine
An air raid alert is a civil defense signal that warns the public about the risk of an air strike: missile, kamikaze drone or aircraft. The signal is announced throughout the country or in certain regions, depending on the threat.
How an air raid warning is sounded
- Through sirens that can be heard on the streets and in public places.
- Mobile applications. The most popular ones are: “Air Alert, Kyiv Digital, Diia.
- Messengers and social networks – Telegram channels, Viber, SMS notifications from the authorities.
- Television and radio. Broadcasts are interrupted and a voice warning is activated.
What to do in case of an alarm
- Immediately go to the nearest shelter or safe place (basement, subway, specially equipped room without windows).
- Avoid open spaces, glass structures, elevators.
- Stay in the shelter until the alarm is canceled.
Frequency and duration of alarms
The frequency depends on the activity of Russian air attacks. Most alarms are recorded in the frontline and central regions.
They last from 20 minutes to several hours. In March 2025, the national average for the share of alarm time per day was 8-12%.
Commercial and public facilities are required to close for the duration of the alert.
Why it is important to observe the alarm
Even if it seems that “everything is calm,” unauthorized staying outside during the alert puts lives at risk. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, most victims of attacks are injured or killed because they ignored the signals.
How cities and businesses have adapted
In large cities, shelters are being massively equipped in schools, shopping centers, and subways.
Some shopping centers continue to operate during an alarm if they have a certified shelter.
Schools and kindergartens work with interruptions for alarms or remotely if there is no shelter.
How to know when the alarm is over
The alarm is also signaled through the app, siren (another sound signal), messengers, and official sources. Only after the official cancellation can you safely leave the shelter.
Читайте нас у Telegram: головні новини коротко
