Ukraine has launched drone attacks on two major logistical centers affiliated with the largest online retailer in Russia, often dubbed as “Russia’s Amazon,” located in St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin’s hometown. The strikes resulted in significant fires engulfing marketplace hubs owned by Wildberries, a prominent Russian e-commerce platform. Among the targeted facilities was a Wildberries site in Russian-occupied Crimea, where a substantial fire broke out, visible even from outer space.
Additionally, reports indicate that another Wildberries establishment in the Tver region was hit during a notable Ukrainian offensive, which notably bypassed Putin’s air defenses. In a separate incident, Ukraine employed Flamingo missiles to target the Avitek defense plant in the Kirov region, a company involved in manufacturing aviation equipment, guided anti-aircraft missiles, and various military gear used against Ukrainian forces.
Concerns arose regarding potential casualties among workers at the Avitek plant due to a lack of evacuation warnings before the strikes. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, with numerous ambulances rushing to the damaged facility. The attack occurred shortly after Putin’s emergency security council meeting aimed at boosting weapons production, underscoring his refusal to cease hostilities despite the escalating Ukrainian offensive.
The strikes on the Wildberries centers in Shushary and Utkina Zavod caused significant disruptions in St. Petersburg, leading to major flight delays. These assaults prompted the suspension of operations at the targeted hubs, with staff evacuated in advance of the drone attacks. Footage captured the Wildberries facility in Crimea ablaze following the Ukrainian strike, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents already grappling with an oil blockade affecting supplies and tourism in the region.
The series of strikes on Wildberries facilities, including the recent hit in Tver, has severely impacted Russian retail operations and dealt a significant blow to Putin both economically and psychologically. Thousands of small business suppliers connected to Wildberries have suffered losses, with minimal prospects for compensation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Wildberries of supplying critical military equipment to support Putin’s forces, including navigation tools and drone components.
The Ukrainian offensive on Friday morning saw 571 drones shot down across various Russian territories, including Crimea and surrounding seas, marking the most extensive overnight assault since the conflict commenced. The ongoing crisis surrounding Wildberries underscores the broader implications of the conflict on both the economic and military fronts.