In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks on Wildberries, a major online retailer in Russia, often referred to as the country's equivalent of Amazon. Since July 17, at least 12 warehouses operated by Wildberries in Russia and occupied Ukraine have been struck, leading to significant damage. The Institute for the Study of War reported that these attacks have resulted in the destruction of approximately 10 percent of the retailer's logistics capacity, equating to around 5.9 million square feet. Social media has been flooded with images showing smoke and destruction at various Wildberries facilities, highlighting the scale of the damage inflicted by these drone strikes.
On July 18, a drone strike targeted a logistics center in Kotovsk, resulting in the deaths of seven workers and injuries to about 25 others. The same night, another strike hit the largest Wildberries warehouse located in Elektrostal, injuring 24 individuals. The attacks have prompted Wildberries to cease displaying military-related goods on its platform and to remove tags associated with the Kremlin's term for the war in Ukraine, known as the 'special military operation.' This shift indicates the retailer's response to the ongoing conflict and the impact of the drone strikes on its operations.
Further attacks continued, with a facility in Voronezh suspending operations after being struck, which also resulted in the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy. The governor of Voronezh confirmed that the roof of a warehouse was damaged during this incident. Additionally, reports emerged of strikes in St. Petersburg, a city that has rarely been targeted due to Russian air defenses, showcasing the expanding reach of Ukrainian drone operations. Videos from the scene depicted thick smoke rising from the warehouses, indicating the severity of the attacks.
As the situation escalates, Wildberries' founder, Kim, acknowledged the damage and expressed gratitude towards the staff for their swift evacuation efforts during the strikes. Geolocated footage revealed a fire at a Wildberries facility in Yekaterinburg, which is located approximately 1,200 miles from Ukraine, further illustrating the extensive impact of the drone strikes across Russia. The ongoing conflict continues to affect both military and civilian sectors, with both sides employing tactics that target logistical and operational capabilities.
