Thick, choking smoke blanketed parts of the Moscow region today after Ukrainian drones hit a major logistics center operated by Wildberries, the online retail giant often described as Russia’s answer to Amazon.
In a separate strike on the company’s warehouse complex in the Tambov region, seven people were killed and more than two dozen others were wounded, according to reports.
Another attack triggered a massive fire at a key oil depot in Noginsk, prompting authorities to evacuate a nearby maternity hospital as flames tore through the site.
The strikes came as Vladimir Putin faces intensifying pressure over Russia’s manpower shortages, with the Kremlin reportedly preparing to permit the recruitment of jailed mafia figures to fight in Ukraine.
At the sprawling Wildberries facility in Elektrostal, roughly 36 miles east of the Kremlin, the impact sent toxic black smoke surging into the sky in what appeared to be one of the largest fires inside Russia since the war began.
The plume could be seen from more than 30 miles away, while residents in parts of Moscow reported smog drifting across the capital.
Reports suggested Ukraine may have used jet-powered drones in the latest wave of attacks.
The twin strikes on Russia’s largest online retailer are expected to cause significant disruption and appear to fit Kyiv’s wider strategy of bringing the consequences of Putin’s war closer to ordinary Russians.
Analysts say it is also revenge for regular Russian strikes on postal hubs in Ukraine.
Two dozen people were wounded from Ukrainian overnight strikes on Moscow region.
But seven night shift workers were killed and at least 25 wounded in the Wildberries strike in Kotovsk, Tambov region, 270 miles southeast of Moscow.
Choking smoke shrouded Moscow region today as Ukrainian drones struck a huge logistics hub of Wildberries, the ‘Russian Amazon’
Seven were killed and more than two dozen wounded in a second strike on the online marketplace’s warehouse complex in Tambov region
Noxious black smoke was sent high into the sky in one of the biggest fires of the war
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The Tambov regional governor Yevgeny Pervyshov called the strike a ‘premeditated terrorist attack against civilians’.
Pro-Ukrainian channel Exile+ declared: ‘Probably the best night in a long time.
‘Finally, counter-actions against logistical hubs controlled by the Russians have begun.
‘There are far more of these hubs in Russian-controlled territory than there are in ours. They all need to be destroyed.’
Ukraine continued its war on Russian oil tankers and other supply ships, with 13 hit overnight, mostly in the Black Sea.
Close Putin ally Ramzan Kadyrov, warlord leader of Chechnya, called for direct revenge strikes on NATO states.
He told Putin: ‘You just set the task, and we will take care of the rest.
‘It would be beneficial to start with the countries that, hiding behind the NATO acronym, openly and brazenly provide weapons, data, and other support to the Ukrainian fascists.’
Western states supplying Ukraine should ‘smell the scent of TNT’ and ‘as soon as they hear the roar of the Kalashnikov and the clatter of the T-90, they will immediately understand’ and halt their aid.
‘It’s time to open fire, and it’s not that difficult,’ said Kadyrov.
‘All this satanic scum only understands the language of force.
‘They cannot comprehend that Russia is currently conducting restrained military operations with minimal losses among the civilian population.
‘But as soon as we unleash our military machine, as soon as our gears begin to grind their bones, all Western leaders will line up to express their deepest apologies.’
Meanwhile, members of gangs and organised crime groups will be allowed to enter into contracts with the Ministry of Defence so that they can be sent to the war.
The move will see members of mafia and armed gangs fight for the first time.
‘Those convicted or accused of smuggling weapons and drugs, theft of nuclear materials, organising illegal migration, and participating in the activities of ‘undesirable’ organisations will also be able to sign contracts,’ reported the Moscow Times.
The move is enabled during periods of mobilisation, martial law, or wartime.
It highlights the desperation of Putin who is now losing an estimated 7,000 troops a week, through being killed or maimed.
There is strong speculation he will order a full mobilisation of military age men in September soon after parliamentary elections have taken place.
Russia meanwhile claimed almost 400 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight.
