On July 29, 2026, Ukrainian drones targeted several locations within Russia, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The strikes included an oil refinery and a logistics center belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, which has been likened to Amazon. This attack is part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to exert pressure on Moscow to engage in peace negotiations after more than four years of war. Reports indicate that the logistics center in the Ryazan region was hit, making it at least the tenth attack on Wildberries facilities, which Ukraine claims are involved in transporting military-related goods.
The Ryazan refinery, owned by Rosneft, is one of the largest in Russia, contributing nearly 5 percent to the country's total oil refining capacity. It has been targeted multiple times since the onset of the full-scale war in February 2022, with operations suspended following a previous strike on May 15, which resulted in six hospitalizations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the attacks, stating that they also included an oil refinery in the Perm region and a military enterprise in the Rostov region. He emphasized the need to weaken the aggressor to bring the war to a close.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have intensified their strikes on Wildberries warehouses across various Russian regions. The first reported attack on Wildberries facilities occurred on July 18, with subsequent strikes on July 24 and July 28. These attacks have reportedly disrupted about 10 percent of Wildberries' total warehouse capacity, which could significantly impact the retailer's logistics network throughout Russia. The company has begun searching for warehouse space in Kazakhstan as a response to the ongoing attacks, indicating a shift in its operational strategy.
The conflict has seen a notable increase in drone warfare, with Ukraine utilizing this method to target critical infrastructure within Russia. The attacks are part of a calculated effort to pressure the Russian government into negotiations, as the war continues to take a toll on both nations. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments expected as both sides respond to the evolving dynamics of the conflict.
