Another large logistics center belonging to Russia’s Wildberries, often referred to as Russia’s Amazon, was obliterated today in a significant drone attack carried out by Ukraine. The strike in Ryazan, located 115 miles southeast of Moscow, also resulted in a crucial oil refinery being set ablaze, adding to the devastation caused by previous assaults.
In addition to Ryazan, drones targeted the strategic port of Taganrog on the Sea of Azov in southern Russia, leading to fatalities and extensive fires in Kerch near the Crimean end of a vital bridge linking the Black Sea peninsula to Russia.
The assault by Ukraine occurred shortly after a meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the US, during which they appeared amicable. Trump praised the meeting at the White House, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced air defense protection sought by the Ukrainians.
Thick clouds of black smoke billowed from the Wildberries warehouse, which stands as the fifth largest in Russia. Evacuation procedures were swiftly initiated as the facility’s roof began to collapse.
This attack marks the eleventh strike on Wildberries logistics facilities by Ukraine this month, with seven of the targeted sites either destroyed or severely damaged, resulting in substantial financial losses amounting to billions of pounds. The most recent strike resulted in injuries to six individuals.
Allegations have been made by Ukraine that the major retailer supplies the Russian military. Consequently, the company is urgently scouting for alternative warehouse locations in neighboring Kazakhstan as its core business operations face imminent threats, potentially jeopardizing the supply chain for thousands of goods.
The relentless series of Ukrainian strikes coincided with the US Senate overwhelmingly passing stringent sanctions against the Putin regime, garnering 86 votes in favor. Zelensky, echoing sentiments from Trump, expressed a desire to end the conflict, contrasting with Putin’s apparent reluctance to cease hostilities.
In response to increased opposition within Russia to the ongoing war, Putin loyalist Dmitry Medvedev dismissed claims of a mass mobilization as a deceptive ploy orchestrated by Kremlin adversaries. Medvedev labeled the allegations as propaganda aimed at destabilizing the country ahead of upcoming elections, emphasizing that there was no real need for any large-scale mobilization.
Despite official denials, Western and Ukrainian intelligence sources suggest Putin is considering a substantial draft to address the significant losses being suffered on the battlefield. Moreover, dissent against the war is growing, with Zelensky asserting that there are divisions within Putin’s inner circle regarding the continuation or termination of the conflict.
