Russian Drone Destroys Warehouse of Czech Humanitarian Organization in Mykolaiv

On Wednesday around noon, a Russian drone struck the roof and entrance of a warehouse belonging to the Czech humanitarian organization "Korridor UA" in the Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, sparking a massive fire. The flames quickly engulfed the entire building, causing serious damage, though the organization's offices located in the same complex were spared. The building also houses two other humanitarian organizations and delivery services.

According to Matouš Blaha, director of the Czech organization, the concrete structure prevented the building from collapsing entirely, and part of the warehouse's stock was saved. "We managed to save the technical equipment — tools, battery converters and solar panels. But anything subject to strict sanitary standards — food, hygiene products and medical equipment — can no longer be used," Blaha explained. He estimates the damage at roughly 2.5 million crowns.

"A Dull, Loud Boom"

Staff were warned and evacuated to safety just minutes before the strike. According to the "Korridor UA" director, this proved the warning system works effectively. "But if we had actually been the target, we'd need to change our procedures — for instance, stop moving around in the organization's marked vehicles," he noted.

Available information suggests the strike was carried out by an Iranian-made Shahed-type drone. "There was this very heavy engine sound, as if a plane was flying straight at you, not the usual buzzing of a drone. I was nearby when there was a dull, loud boom that made everything shake," recalls one of the organization's staff members who was close by at the moment of the attack.

After the strike, evacuation and rescue efforts were repeatedly interrupted by new air raid alerts, so firefighters worked at the site for several hours — well into the following morning.

What Happens to the Warehouse Now

Blaha made clear the organization will no longer be able to stay in its former premises. He noted the incident will also complicate the search for new space: "A landlord will think twice before renting space to a humanitarian organization that could become a target." For now, two trucks are being used as a temporary warehouse.

Mykolaiv has faced intense Russian strikes in recent weeks, aimed primarily at civilian sites — shops, warehouses and major retail chains. Due to the attacks and resulting shortages, many shops in the city have closed, which is why the organization's director wants to get the warehouse back up and running as quickly as possible: he expects residents will increasingly turn to non-profits for help as winter sets in.

Following the attack, "Korridor UA" launched a fundraising campaign to cover the damage, as the organization needs new warehouse space to resume operations sooner. Other partner organizations have also offered assistance.

This marks the second recent strike on a warehouse belonging to a Czech non-profit: in 2023, a Russian drone hit a warehouse operated by "People in Need" in Donetsk region. "Korridor UA" itself was founded in 2022 to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine and works closely with local self-government bodies, volunteers and other organizations.

Source: seznamzpravy.cz