Fierce attack on Ryazan, up the refinery and the Russian Amazon

In early morning hours on July 29, 2026, Ukrainian forces conducted mass drone strikes against the Russian region of Ryazan, hitting key infrastructure targets including a major warehouse of the e-commerce giant Wildberries and one of the largest oil refineries in the region. According to local witnesses and open-source intelligence, the attacks resulted in fires at multiple industrial locations, with six individuals hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries. Governor of the Ryazan region, Pavel Malkov, confirmed the region was the target of a heavy attack and noted that anti-aircraft defenses were actively engaged. He did not specify exactly which facilities were struck beyond stating there were fires at several industrial sites. Residents reported a series of powerful explosions, and social media platforms circulated footage and photographs showing fires at multiple locations. Local accounts suggest that both the Ryazan Oil Refinery, owned by Rosneft, and the Wildberries warehouse were directly hit. The Ryazan Oil Refinery is among the largest in Russia, processing over 17.1 million tons of crude oil annually, representing approximately five percent of the country's total output. The attack on the Wildberries warehouse marks the continuation of a broader Ukrainian strategy targeting Russia’s logistics networks. Since the beginning of July, Ukrainian drones have frequently struck Wildberries' logistics centers, which control nearly half of Russia’s e-commerce market. These facilities not only serve consumer goods but also handle dual-use equipment essential for the conflict, such as body armor and optical cables used in drones. Following a wave of July attacks, Wildberries removed search terms related to military supplies from its platform and launched a marketing campaign urging public support for affected sellers. Posters with these messages appeared even in occupied Crimea. The latest strikes have further disrupted operations at the Ryazan facility, with Wildberries issuing a brief statement indicating that access to the warehouse had been temporarily restricted, though it promised to provide updates on future operations. Meanwhile, similar attacks have been reported elsewhere in Russia, including a Wildberries logistics center in Yekaterinburg near the Kazakh border. These incidents underscore the increasing frequency and reach of Ukrainian drone campaigns, which have extended deep into Russian territory. Experts argue that Russia is struggling to counter these attacks effectively, highlighting a strategic shift by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky toward a more aggressive posture. Analysts point out that the inability of Russian air defense systems to prevent these strikes suggests vulnerabilities in their ability to protect critical infrastructure. Professor Scott Lucas from the Clinton Institute at University College Dublin noted that the scale of these attacks indicates a turning point in the conflict, emphasizing Ukraine’s growing capacity to conduct sustained offensives using drones and missiles. The impact of these strikes extends beyond immediate damage to infrastructure. Reports indicate that up to 40 percent of Russia’s refining capacity has been compromised, leading to fuel shortages and forcing the country to import petroleum products from India. This has created long lines of vehicles waiting for fuel in various cities, illustrating the economic strain being felt domestically. Additionally, the financial toll on Wildberries has been substantial, with estimates suggesting losses amounting to around $4.3 billion, erasing approximately ten percent of its logistics capabilities. The ongoing conflict has also drawn attention to potential shifts in international support for Ukraine. Professor Lucas suggested that the effectiveness of Ukrainian strikes might influence figures like former U.S. president Donald Trump, potentially encouraging greater backing for Ukraine, including collaboration on anti-missile projects and co-production of drones with American firms. As the situation evolves, the resilience of Russian defenses and the sustainability of Ukrainian offensive strategies remain under scrutiny.