Ukraine has launched drone attacks on two key logistics centers of the prominent online retailer known as “Russia’s Amazon” in St Petersburg, the hometown of Vladimir Putin. The strikes set ablaze marketplace hubs owned by Wildberries, the largest online retailer in the country, causing massive infernos.
In addition to the St Petersburg attacks, another Wildberries facility in Russian-occupied Crimea was hit, resulting in a significant fire visible even from space. Reports indicate that a separate Wildberries site in the Tver region was also targeted during a notable Ukrainian offensive, breaching Putin’s touted air defense systems.
Moreover, Ukraine utilized Flamingo missiles to strike the Avitek defense plant in the Kirov region. Avitek, a sanctioned company, produces aviation equipment, guided anti-aircraft missiles, and various military gear used against Ukrainians.
Concerns arose over potential casualties among Kirov plant workers as no evacuation warning was issued before multiple explosions. Numerous ambulances rushed to the damaged manufacturing site to provide assistance.
The attack on Avitek occurred shortly after Putin convened an emergency security council meeting to bolster weapons production at facilities like Avitek, despite Ukraine’s persistent resistance causing harm to Russia.
The strikes on Wildberries hubs in Shushary and Utkina Zavod led to major flight disruptions in St Petersburg as billows of black smoke rose from the targeted facilities, likely resulting in substantial financial losses. Over 50 flights were affected by the incident.
Following the attacks, Wildberries suspended operations at the two affected hubs, with staff safely evacuated before the drone strikes.
