Ukrainian drones struck two warehouses of Russia's largest retail company, causing severe fires. Eight people have died and several dozen were injured.
On Saturday, 18 Jul 2026, Russian officials revealed that Ukrainian drones attacked two warehouses of Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, causing intense fires. Initial reports confirmed 8 deaths and 62 injuries, making it Ukraine's bloodiest attack in two years.
The strike on the warehouse in Tambov, located about 475 km southeast of Moscow, resulted in 7 deaths and 25 injuries. At the second warehouse in Elektrostal, Moscow region, 1 person died and 37 were injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the attack targeted "critical transport facilities" used to "supply sanctioned components for producing drones and navigation equipment" for the Russian military.
He added that Ukrainian forces also struck multiple targets in the Sea of Azov, the Black Sea, and the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula.
Zelensky noted the attack was in retaliation for Russia's strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, towns, and communities on Wednesday, 15 Jul, which resulted in 14 deaths.
Wildberries is often compared to Amazon’s Russian version. It is managed by the RWB Group, formed from the merger of Wildberries and advertising firm Russ, with a company valuation estimated at about 12.6 billion US dollars by Forbes Russia in 2026.
Serhiy Kuzan, head of Ukraine’s Center for Security and Cooperation, told the BBC that Wildberries is a "key element" in Russia’s logistics system. The company’s website has been used by Russian volunteer groups to procure military equipment, including radios, bulletproof vests, and drone parts.
"The main reason for attacking Wildberries warehouses is to disrupt Russia’s logistics system and hinder the supply of dual-use goods, critical electronic parts, sanctioned items, and similar materials destined for the Russian military and arms manufacturers," Kuzan explained.
"Additionally, the collateral damage from this strike could severely impact Russia's economy, create psychological effects on Russian society, and potentially affect ongoing support for the war," Kuzan added.
Previously, Russia has targeted similar facilities in Ukraine since the war began, including postal services and electronic parts distributors.
Wildberries CEO Tatiana Kim, one of Russia’s first female billionaires, described the event as a “terrible night” for both Russia and her company.
Tambov Governor Yevgeny Purvishov posted on Telegram that “seven night-shift workers died instantly at the scene.” He added that 25 people were injured, seven critically, mostly from shrapnel wounds.
Purvishov condemned the attack as the “most severe and inhumane” ever in the region, considering the number of drones used and casualties.
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Source:bbc