Amid the escalation of hostilities, the Ukrainian side is implementing a large-scale strategy of strikes against Russia's critical infrastructure. The focus is not only on military targets but also on civilian logistics, specifically Russia's largest marketplace, Wildberries. Attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the company's warehouses have a clear objective: to strike at the enemy's rear and complicate the supply of the Russian army.
Scale of Damage and Hidden Goods
According to RBC-Ukraine sources within the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Wildberries operates ten strategically significant logistics hubs. As of the morning of July 29, damage to seven of them has been confirmed. Russian media reports indicate that Ukraine has managed to damage between six and nine of the company's facilities. Analysts estimate the loss of the marketplace's warehouse capacity at 10%.
In response to the attacks, Wildberries management removed the "Everything for SMO" (Special Military Operation) section from the platform. However, experts note that hundreds of thousands of military-grade items have not disappeared; they have simply been moved to other categories to avoid attention and further strikes.
Response to Strikes on Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated directly that attacks on Wildberries warehouses are a response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. There is growing discussion that this refers to shelling of facilities belonging to "Nova Poshta" — Ukraine's largest logistics operator.
As sources note, the campaign against Wildberries is part of a broader plan. After Ukraine neutralized more than 40% of Russia's oil refining capacity, Kyiv decided to intensify pressure in another area — civilian logistics.
Military and Socio-Economic Impact
The goal of the attacks is not only military but also socio-economic. According to a source, strikes on logistics should make it more difficult for Russian military personnel to obtain components for drones and other equipment. Furthermore, this is intended to make civilians within Russia feel the consequences of the war started by their government.
"We struck oil refineries, creating a fuel shortage and problems with its delivery and the export of petroleum products. Now, this should lead to Russian military personnel finding it harder to obtain drone components. And not only that — civilians inside Russia must feel the war started by Russia and its consequences," the source explained.
Consequences for Business and the Population
Many have already felt the consequences of Ukraine's campaign against Wildberries. Consumers are facing delivery delays and, in some cases, a complete lack of orders. Experts note that this has become a painful blow to the Kremlin, as it disrupts the stability of the domestic economy.
Previously, RBC-Ukraine reported that Wildberries is already looking for warehouses in another country amid the Ukrainian strikes. In just one week, Ukrainian forces attacked at least 10 of the company's warehouses, confirming the systematic nature of the campaign.
Strategic Shift in the War
Attacks on Wildberries logistics centers demonstrate a shift in Ukraine's strategy: from purely military targets to a comprehensive impact on the enemy's economy and rear. This not only hampers the supply of the Russian army but also creates pressure on the civilian population, forcing them to consider the cost of the war.
