Fifteen Injured as Kyiv Targets Logistics Sites Linked to Russia’s War Effort
Ukrainian drones have struck warehouses belonging to Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, in another wave of attacks that left at least 15 people injured and caused extensive damage to logistics facilities.
The overnight strikes targeted warehouse complexes in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk, marking the second attack on Wildberries facilities within four days. The latest incidents come after previous drone strikes on the company’s warehouses in Tambov and Elektrostal reportedly killed eight people over the weekend.
Zelensky Says Sites Supported Russian Military
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the targeted logistics hubs were involved in supplying Russia’s military with drone components, navigation equipment and other military-related gear.
He also claimed Ukrainian forces struck an oil depot, a tanker and four cargo ships linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” operating in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
Ukraine says the strikes are part of its efforts to weaken Russia’s military supply chain and disrupt logistics supporting the ongoing war.
Workers Evacuated as Fires Break Out
Wildberries founder Tatyana Kim confirmed that employees were evacuated from both warehouse sites following the attacks.
Expressing her frustration, Kim said the strikes had targeted ordinary workers who were simply doing their jobs.
“There are no words to describe all the feelings and emotions caused by the attacks on ordinary people, on our employees, on us, who are simply doing our jobs,” she wrote on Telegram.
Regional officials reported that five people were injured at the Nevinnomyssk warehouse, while ten others were hurt in Krasnodar. Three of the injured in Krasnodar were said to be in serious condition.
Videos shared online showed large fires engulfing the warehouses, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky.
Oil Depot and Residential Buildings Also Hit
Authorities in Krasnodar said the region experienced a large-scale drone attack overnight.
Officials reported that debris from intercepted drones struck an oil depot, sparking a fire, while another employee was killed at a company in Armavir.
Drone fragments also damaged apartment buildings in Krasnodar and homes in the nearby village of Dinskaya, although no injuries were reported in those incidents.
Economic Impact Growing
The latest attacks have intensified concerns about the economic consequences of targeting Russia’s logistics infrastructure.
Wildberries, similar to online marketplaces such as Amazon, connects independent sellers with customers while managing storage, deliveries and payments.
The repeated strikes have disrupted business for hundreds of merchants who rely on the platform for their income.
One clothing seller, identified only as Elena, told BBC Russian she had lost all of her stock in the attacks.
She said the destruction had left her fearing for the future of her business, adding that continuing to send goods to warehouses now felt like placing them “into a furnace.”
The latest drone campaign highlights Ukraine’s growing focus on targeting supply networks it believes are supporting Russia’s military operations, while also increasing pressure on Russia’s economy and logistics system.
