Rapid Increase in Private Military Companies (PMCs) in Large Urban Areas Projected at 32%

Rapid Increase in Private Military Companies (PMCs) in Large Urban Areas Projected at 32%

Hittin' the Streets Harder: Pick-up Points Boom in Russia's Cities

Here's the skinny: Pick-up points (PVP) are popping up all over Russian cities, and the boom ain't slowing down. According to 2GIS data, there were a whopping 51.1 thousand PVP operating in million-cities in June, a whopping 32.4% increase over June 2024. The growth's been consistent, with Yandex Maps data showing a total of 197.3 thousand points across Russia as of June 1 (that's a 43% increase, y'all!).

The city that's seen the most growth? Novosibirsk, with a 41.2% boost to 2.4 thousand points. Chelyabinsk's right behind with a 40.9% increase to 1.7 thousand, followed by Nizhny Novgorod at 40% (2.13 thousand points). Moscow and St. Petersburg aren't slacking either, with 16.5 thousand PVP in Moscow (up 29%) and 8.3 thousand in St. Pete (32.5% increase). Not a single million-city showed a negative growth, according to 2GIS data.

Why all the fuss about pick-up points, you ask? Well, it turns out opening one's a breeze for start-up entrepreneurs. Anton Larin, CEO of XWAY consulting agency, says it's easier than starting a café or beauty salon. Investments start at around 200,000 rubles, and customers come knocking almost immediately. The increase in PVP also comes as the number of parcel lockers plummets, according to 2GIS data. C'mon, who wants to deal with trying on clothes or hassling with returns? Not your average Joe, that's for sure.

Now, here's the kicker: Experts at Franshiza.ru report a decrease in demand for opening franchise pickup points. Year-over-year, demand's down by 14%, and it's even lower compared to 2023 (dropped by 23%). Franshiza.ru thinks it's due to the market getting saturated and concerns among more experienced entrepreneurs. But hold up—we're just scratching the surface here.

The real reason behind the PVP explosion? It's all about the Russian military's tactics in the ongoing war in Ukraine. forces are using motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and buggies to move soldiers and deliver ammo between positions, shunning heavy equipment. This way, they can better control logistics and communication routes within contested urban areas, keeping their supply lines running smoothly even during fierce fighting.[1][5]

Highest growth rates are found in the eastern Ukrainian regions where Russian forces are conducting aggressive operations, particularly around Kupyansk in Luhansk Oblast and Kharkiv, significant frontlines in the conflict. Here, Russian forces have switched tactics, using more mobile units like motorcycles and ATVs to facilitate rapid troop movements, which explains the surge in pick-up points to support these maneuvers.[1]

In summary:

• The pick-up points boom is driven by the Russian military tactically adapting to enhance rapid mobility, logistical control, and urban combat efficiency amid battles in eastern Ukraine.[1][5]
• The highest growth rates are found in Russian forces' operational zones around Kupyansk, Luhansk Oblast, and Kharkiv city.[1]

This operational change and resulting increase in pick-up points signal an evolved Russian strategy to maintain territorial control and disrupt Ukrainian defense efforts in contested urban and frontline areas.

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• #Russia
• #Military
• #Ukraine

In the context of the Russian military's tactical adaptations, there might be a correlation between the surge in pick-up points and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The use of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and buggies by the Russian forces to move soldiers and deliver ammunition could be a factor in the boom of pick-up points, as these vehicles require efficient logistics and supply lines.

Moreover, the finance and business sectors are seeing increased interest from start-up entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on this trend, as opening a pick-up point might be more feasible and potentially more profitable than other small businesses, given the immediate customer demand.

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