Ukraine conducted airstrikes on a Wildberries facility, often referred to as the “Russian Amazon,” early this morning. The attack targeted a depot in Khryastovo, located in Russia’s Vladimir region, resulting in significant damage and thick black smoke billowing from the site. This marks the 18th assault on Wildberries, aiming to penalize the company for supplying military equipment.
In a bid to isolate Crimea and disrupt Russian forces, Kyiv’s troops also struck military sites in the occupied region. This action follows a recent ballistic missile attack in Kyiv that claimed nine lives and left many injured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns over the lack of essential Patriot missiles, which have hindered their defense capabilities.
The drone strike on the Wildberries depot occurred shortly after an attack on a similar outlet in Samara, Russia. Zelensky highlighted the urgency of acquiring Patriot missiles to counter Russian aggression, emphasizing the need for anti-ballistic interceptors. Amid escalating tensions, Ukraine targeted a university in Russia involved in the development of lethal drone technology.
Zelensky disclosed that Russia is intensifying its production of ballistic missiles, prompting Ukraine to seek additional Patriot systems. The cost of these missiles poses a financial challenge, despite discussions about potential licensing agreements for local production. The conflict has seen a significant exchange of attacks, with Russia reportedly downing hundreds of Ukrainian drones.
Ukraine reported a record high of 42,860 Russian military casualties in July, marking the deadliest month of 2026. Zelensky warned of Moscow’s plans for military mobilization to compensate for mounting losses, indicating a strain on Russian recruitment efforts. Meanwhile, Russia has enlisted a substantial number of troops but faces a notable shortfall in military personnel, prompting preparations to involve North Korean forces in the conflict.
