Ukraine has opened what analysts describe as a new front in its war strategy, launching repeated drone strikes against Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, in a move aimed at disrupting the country’s logistics network and increasing economic pressure on Moscow.

The latest attacks hit multiple Wildberries logistics centers across Russia, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured, according to Russian officials. Ukrainian authorities say the targeted facilities were not merely commercial warehouses but also played a role in supporting Russia’s military by handling drone components, navigation equipment and other dual-use supplies.

The strikes signal an evolution in Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign, shifting beyond oil refineries and fuel depots to focus on infrastructure that underpins both Russia’s economy and its war effort.

Ukraine targets Wildberries warehouses across Russia

Ukrainian drones struck Wildberries logistics hubs in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions, only days after previous attacks on the company’s facilities in central Russia.

Regional officials said warehouses in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk suffered significant damage. Authorities confirmed that employees were evacuated after explosions triggered fires at the sites.

In Krasnodar, several workers were injured and one woman later died from injuries sustained during the attack. Additional casualties were reported in Stavropol.

The latest strikes follow earlier attacks on Wildberries facilities in Elektrostal near Moscow and Tambov, highlighting what appears to be a coordinated effort against the retailer’s nationwide logistics network.

Why Ukraine is targeting Russia’s largest online retailer

Wildberries is widely regarded as Russia’s equivalent of Amazon, serving millions of customers and employing roughly 48,000 workers across the country.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the targeted logistics hubs were involved in supplying Russian forces with drone components, navigation systems and other military equipment.

Ukrainian analysts argue that disrupting Wildberries weakens Russia in two ways. It interrupts supply chains that may support the military while simultaneously damaging one of the country’s most important commercial businesses.

Serhii Kuzan, chairman of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center, described Wildberries as a vital part of Russia’s logistics system and said its marketplace plays a significant role in the Russian economy.

Economic pressure becomes a key battlefield

Military analysts increasingly view Ukraine’s strategy as an attempt to impose long-term economic costs on Russia rather than focusing solely on battlefield gains.

Wildberries reportedly accounts for a substantial share of Russia’s domestic online commerce, connecting hundreds of thousands of independent sellers with consumers nationwide.

According to Ukrainian estimates, the company has already suffered billions of dollars in losses following repeated attacks on its warehouses and distribution centers.

Experts believe damaging logistics infrastructure forces Russia to spend additional resources rebuilding warehouses, rerouting deliveries and strengthening air defenses, increasing financial pressure during an already costly war.

Wildberries founder condemns attacks

Wildberries founder Tatyana Kim, Russia’s wealthiest woman, condemned the strikes, saying employees were simply carrying out their daily work.

She expressed grief over the casualties and urged the company to continue operating despite repeated attacks on its logistics centers.

Russian authorities have accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, while Kyiv maintains that the facilities contribute to Russia’s military-industrial complex.

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Sellers fear devastating financial losses

The attacks have also affected thousands of small businesses that rely on Wildberries as their primary sales platform.

Many merchants reported losing inventory stored inside damaged warehouses, raising concerns over compensation and business survival.

Some traders told Russian media they had invested their life savings into products destroyed during the strikes.

Others warned that continued attacks could force many independent businesses to close permanently if logistics disruptions persist.

Military equipment still found on Wildberries marketplace

Hours after the latest drone strikes, journalists observed that Wildberries’ online marketplace continued listing military-related products, including body armour and drone accessories.

Ukrainian officials argue that the availability of such goods reinforces their claim that the retailer serves as an important logistics platform supporting Russia’s broader military supply chain.

Wildberries has not publicly addressed claims that its marketplace facilitates purchases of equipment ultimately used by Russian forces.

Analysts expect more logistics strikes

Security analysts believe Ukraine is likely to continue targeting logistics hubs inside Russia because they offer a relatively efficient way to generate significant economic disruption.

Unlike heavily defended military installations, commercial logistics facilities are spread across the country and play a crucial role in sustaining domestic commerce.

Experts say repeated attacks could further strain Russia’s economy while complicating military procurement and supply operations.

Whether the strategy significantly changes the course of the conflict remains uncertain, but it highlights Ukraine’s increasing reliance on long-range drone operations to pressure Moscow far beyond the battlefield.

Key Takeaways

• Ukraine has launched repeated drone strikes against Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer.
• Logistics centers in Krasnodar, Stavropol, Elektrostal and Tambov have been targeted.
• Ukrainian officials say the warehouses supported Russia’s military with dual-use equipment.
• Russian authorities reported deaths, injuries and significant warehouse damage.
• Thousands of independent businesses that rely on Wildberries have also been affected.
• Analysts believe logistics infrastructure may become a major target in future Ukrainian operations.

FAQ

Why is Ukraine attacking Wildberries?

Ukraine says it targeted Wildberries logistics centers because they allegedly supplied Russia’s military with drone components, navigation systems and other dual-use equipment. Kyiv argues the facilities contribute to Russia’s war effort.

What is Wildberries?

Wildberries is Russia’s largest online retailer and marketplace. Often compared to Amazon, it connects sellers and buyers across Russia and operates an extensive logistics network with thousands of warehouses and distribution centers.

What happened to the Wildberries warehouses?

Multiple Wildberries logistics hubs were struck by Ukrainian drones between July 18 and July 22, causing fires, deaths, injuries and significant damage to warehouse infrastructure.

Where were the attacks carried out?

The reported attacks targeted logistics facilities in Elektrostal near Moscow, Tambov, Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk in Russia’s Stavropol region.

How many people were killed?

Russian officials said earlier strikes killed eight people at warehouses in central Russia. The latest attacks reportedly killed one additional person in Krasnodar and injured several others.

Why does Ukraine believe these warehouses are military targets?

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the facilities handled drone parts, navigation equipment and other supplies used by Russian forces. Ukrainian officials argue this makes them legitimate military-related targets.

Has Wildberries responded?

Yes. Founder Tatyana Kim condemned the attacks, expressed sympathy for affected employees and said the company would continue operating despite the damage.

How important is Wildberries to Russia’s economy?

Wildberries is one of Russia’s largest companies, employing about 48,000 people and serving millions of customers. Analysts say it plays a crucial role in Russia’s retail supply chain and e-commerce sector.

How are Russian businesses affected?

Thousands of independent merchants rely on Wildberries to sell products. Many reported losing inventory stored in damaged warehouses, threatening their livelihoods.

Will Ukraine continue attacking logistics centers?

Security analysts believe logistics hubs will likely remain targets because they provide an opportunity to disrupt Russia’s economy and military supply chains without requiring large-scale conventional military operations.

What is Ukraine’s broader strategy?

Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to strike infrastructure deep inside Russia, including oil facilities, military assets and now logistics centers, aiming to raise the economic and operational costs of the war for Moscow.