Ukrainian military drones struck warehouses and logistics hubs belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, during the night of July 22 [1].
These strikes target the intersection of commercial logistics and military procurement. By hitting these hubs, Ukraine aims to disrupt the flow of drone components and navigation equipment used by the Russian army [2].
The latest operation occurred in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions of southwestern Russia [3]. According to reports, the strike resulted in one person killed and 14 others injured [4].
This event is part of a concentrated effort against the company's infrastructure. While some reports describe this as a second strike, other sources state it was the third attack on Wildberries warehouses in a single week [5, 6].
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the strategic nature of the targets. "We are striking logistics hubs that supply the Russian army with drone components, navigation equipment and other gear," Zelenskyy said [7].
A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Presidential Office reinforced the commitment to these targets. The spokesperson said the attacks are aimed at hubs providing equipment to the Russian armed forces and that Ukraine will continue to target them [8].
The use of long-range drones allows Ukraine to penetrate deep into Russian territory to damage the domestic economy. These strikes specifically target the logistics chain to hinder the Russian military's ability to maintain its drone fleet and electronic warfare capabilities [2, 8].
“"We are striking logistics hubs that supply the Russian army with drone components, navigation equipment and other gear."”
The targeting of Wildberries indicates a shift toward 'dual-use' logistics warfare. By attacking a commercial giant, Ukraine is not merely seeking economic damage but is attempting to sever the 'grey market' supply chains where the Russian military procures civilian electronics for military drones. This strategy forces Russia to either secure its commercial infrastructure or risk significant disruptions to its tactical drone capabilities.
