More warehouses of Russian online retailer Wildberries hit by Ukraine, officials say
Ukrainian drones have struck warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, for the second time in four days, injuring ten people. The facilities, located in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions, were hit overnight, prompting evacuations, according to Russian media and the regional governor. Ukraine has justified the strikes by alleging the warehouses are used to supply components for drones and military navigation equipment, making the attacks part of a broader effort to disrupt Russian military logistics.
The latest strikes follow an attack on Saturday on Wildberries warehouses in Tambov and Elektrostal, which killed eight people and injured 62. Company owner Tatyana Kim said on Telegram that the attacks caused significant distress to staff but vowed to continue operations. Serhii Kuzan of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre said the strikes aim to disrupt supplies of dual-use and sanctioned goods to the Russian military, adding that the resulting damage could also affect the Russian economy and public morale.
In short
- Ukrainian drones hit Wildberries warehouses in Russia again, injuring 10
- Second attack on the retailer's facilities in four days
- Kyiv says warehouses supply drone and military navigation components
Explained simply
Wildberries is Russia’s largest online retailer, selling goods through its website and warehouses across the country. Its owner, Tatyana Kim, runs the company, while regional officials report on incidents affecting facilities in their areas.
Ukraine says it targets sites that help supply Russia’s military, including places it alleges handle drone parts and navigation equipment. Some goods have both civilian and military uses, so warehouses serving a retailer can also be part of wider supply networks.
The strikes have also caused deaths and injuries among warehouse workers, and damage to large distribution sites can disrupt deliveries and business. The attacks sit within the wider conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has included efforts to hinder military supplies.