In brief
Ukrainian drones struck two Wildberries warehouses in Russia, killing eight people and injuring 62. The attacks—occurring in Tambov and Elektrostal—targeted major logistics hubs allegedly used for supplying components for Ukrainian drone production. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky framed the assault as retaliation for Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure. Russian officials confirmed the casualties and said 48 drones were downed; the incident intensified amid ongoing attacks on energy facilities. The event underscores the escalating tactics of aerial warfare and its humanitarian cost.
Recent Ukrainian drone operations have targeted two Wildberries logistics warehouses in Russia, resulting in eight deaths and 62 injuries, according to Russian officials.
One warehouse, located in Tambov roughly 295 miles southeast of Moscow, suffered seven fatalities and 25 injuries. The second, in Elektrostal within the Moscow region, saw one death and 37 wounded.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attacks as strikes on “major logistics facilities” used to supply sanctioned components for drone and navigation equipment. He dismissed the strikes as part of a broader campaign aimed at Russian energy infrastructure and highlighted attacks along the Sea of Azov, the Black Sea and Russia’s annexed Crimea.
Unverified footage from the Tambov site shows a vast warehouse engulfed in flames with thick black smoke, workers exiting into a car park area, and the structure's walls collapsing in the blaze. The attack is believed to have taken place at night, as videos capture both terrified personnel fleeing and continuous explosions.
Regional governors reported that 28 drones were intercepted before striking Tambov, while Moscow-region officials stated that 48 drones were destroyed overnight and that an oil depot also suffered a falling‑drone strike.
Ukraine has intensified long‑range drone assaults on Russia’s energy assets, reportedly disabling nearly 43% of its oil‑refining capacity earlier this month—though the BBC has not independently verified the figure.
Wildberries, described as the Russian equivalent of Amazon, is part of the RWB group with advertising partner Russ and was valued at roughly $12.6 billion (£9.3 billion) by Forbes Russia in 2026.
The CEO, Tatyana Kim, Russia’s first female billionaire, called the night “terrible” for both Russia and the company.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly acknowledged fuel shortages linked to Ukrainian attacks and recently signed a bill aimed at boosting domestic fuel supplies.
Humanitarian impacts remain substantial, with emergency services and the Ministry of Emergency Situations on the scene dealing with fire and injuries. The incident underscores the escalating and humanitarian‑driven tactics in the Russia‑Ukraine conflict.
Source: BBC News, 18 July 2026
