Ukraine hits more warehouses of Russia’s top online retailer Wildberries

Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, has become a target of sustained Ukrainian drone attacks, with more than 16 of its warehouses struck in recent weeks. According to reports from multiple Russian and international media outlets, these strikes have caused widespread damage, disrupted supply chains, and raised concerns over the role of private companies in supporting military operations. The attacks mark a shift in Ukraine's strategy, focusing not just on frontline combat zones but also on critical infrastructure and logistics hubs deep within Russian territory. The escalation began on July 18, when Ukrainian drones attacked a large warehouse in Elektrostal, approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow. The facility, one of Wildberries' largest, burned for four days, reducing the company’s storage capacity by roughly one-fifth. Since then, ten additional warehouses have been destroyed, and five others have suffered damage. The total area affected exceeds one million square meters, leading to estimated losses of over two billion euros. These strikes have forced Wildberries to halt operations in some locations and relocate inventory, creating ripple effects throughout the supply chain. Wildberries, often referred to as Russia’s version of Amazon, operates a vast network of logistics centers that serve both civilian and military markets. On its platform, customers can purchase a range of goods, including military-grade equipment such as body armor, drone components, and specialized cables designed to protect unmanned systems from electronic interference. Following the initial attacks, the company reportedly removed categories related to military operations from its website, though certain products remain available. This move suggests an attempt to distance itself from accusations of complicity in the conflict, even as it continues to operate under Russian regulatory frameworks. Ukrainian officials have framed the attacks as part of a broader effort to disrupt Russian military logistics. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the strikes targeted an oil refinery and logistics center in Ryazan, as well as facilities in Russian-occupied Crimea, where the Black Sea Fleet maintains a presence. He emphasized that the goal is to increase the financial and operational burden on Russia, making each day of the war more costly for the aggressor. This rhetoric aligns with Ukraine’s growing reliance on precision strikes against strategic targets, including energy infrastructure and transportation networks. The impact of the attacks extends beyond military supply chains. Local businesses that rely on Wildberries’ platform for sales have faced disruptions, affecting livelihoods and economic stability in regions dependent on e-commerce. In Ryazan, authorities reported that debris from downed drones ignited fires in an industrial area, damaging homes and commercial buildings. At least six individuals were hospitalized with injuries, underscoring the human toll of these strikes. Meanwhile, in Belgorod, 12 people were injured during an attack that destroyed residential structures and vehicles, while in Rostov-on-Don, two civilians lost their lives. Russian officials have responded with condemnation, accusing Ukraine of escalating hostilities through indiscriminate attacks. Governor of Moscow Oblast Andrei Vorobyev confirmed that drones struck a factory in Chekhov, resulting in structural damage and localized fires. In other parts of the country, similar incidents have occurred, with reports of power outages in occupied Crimea due to strikes on electrical infrastructure. These developments highlight the increasing frequency and scale of drone warfare, blurring the lines between conventional and asymmetric conflict. As tensions continue to rise, both sides have intensified their efforts to control key assets in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Russia claims to have captured two Ukrainian villages and damaged enemy vessels near Odesa, while Ukraine has launched further strikes on naval targets. The situation reflects a broader pattern of mutual escalation, with both nations seeking to gain strategic advantages through technological superiority and resource control. Amid this backdrop, the fate of companies like Wildberries remains uncertain, caught between geopolitical pressures and the demands of a globalized economy.