Ukraine’s Drone Strikes Devastate Wildberries Depot and Oil Refinery in Russia

POLICY WIRE — Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian drones have dealt a severe blow to Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, by destroying a major warehouse in the Tambov region. The attack, which occurred on July 18, resulted in the death of seven individuals.

This incident marks the beginning of Ukraine’s aerial campaign targeting Wildberries facilities nationwide. The company, often compared to Amazon due to its size and commercial significance, has faced multiple strikes in recent weeks. Ukraine claims that Wildberries sells equipment and components used by the Russian military, a claim the company denies.

In addition to e-commerce targets, Ukraine has also focused on Russia’s vital oil infrastructure. An overnight strike on a Lukoil refinery in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod region, set the facility ablaze. The refinery, with an annual processing capacity of about 125 million barrels, is crucial to Russia’s economy.

The continuous attacks have led Russian President Vladimir Putin to issue a decree allowing the state to temporarily seize control of critical infrastructure if private owners fail to protect them from Ukrainian drone strikes or rebuild them post-attack. This move is intended to force companies to invest in their own security and restore damaged assets.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Elon Musk Ukraine’s Order of Freedom for his contributions to protecting human life and strengthening ties with the United States. Musk’s satellite internet network, Starlink, plays a significant role in Ukraine’s military operations.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)