Ukraine has struck Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, in Vladimir Putin's home city of St Petersburg as part of a wider Flamingo missile and drone assault. Logistics centres were also hit in Tver and Russian-occupied Crimea in coordinated overnight strikes.
Impact on Russian businesses
Large plumes of black smoke rose over several Wildberries facilities, which are said to be involved in supplying drone and military components. The attacks destroyed stock worth hundreds of millions of pounds from Russian small businesses, and the enterprise faces a bleak future if strikes continue. According to sources, the strikes also aim to remind Russians they are no longer remote from Putin's war.
Ukraine's shifting strategy
The switch in Ukraine's strategy marks a turning point as thousands of Russian businesses now face bankruptcy, focusing attention on the pointlessness of the war. This comes as many Russians struggle with a tanking economy and high casualties. It is estimated that 1.4 million have been casualties in over four years of war, with up to 6,000 killed in a single week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said of Putin that a new “atmosphere” was surrounding him. He added: “He alone is the reason this war began and hasn't ended. Putin alone is responsible for the losses Russians continue to suffer.”
Fifth attack on Wildberries
The latest strikes mark the fifth attack on the e-commerce giant since 18 July, affecting around 10 per cent of its logistics capacity.
Russian retaliation
Russia responded on Friday with a ballistic missile strike on a military training ground in the Kyiv region hosting a defence industry event. Ten people died and about 100 were injured. Prosecutors have launched parallel investigations into the attack and the organisation of the event, while military experts questioned why it was held within range of Russian ballistic missiles.
President Zelensky confirmed the strike but did not say whether it had hit the arms exhibition. He said: “A rescue operation is currently underway in the Kyiv region following the Russian missile strike. As of now, dozens of victims are known. It is also known that, unfortunately, people died. My condolences to their families and loved ones. The investigation into all the circumstances and the fate of those affected continues. All necessary emergency services are working at the scene.”
