Massive Fire at Russian Warehouses After Ukrainian Drone Attack, Eight Workers Killed

Eight people were killed in multiple attacks by explosive-laden Ukrainian drones in Russia’s Moscow and Tambov regions. The attacks set several large warehouses on fire, and thick black smoke covered the sky for several hours.

Ukraine has increased its attacks inside Russian territory in recent months. Kyiv says the strikes are in retaliation for Russia’s long-running attacks on Ukraine.

Ukraine described the operation as a long-range strike. Previously, the country mainly targeted Russia’s oil infrastructure, causing fuel shortages in one of the world’s largest oil-producing nations.

This time, Ukraine attacked two key warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer. Eight employees working the night shift were killed, and the warehouses were almost completely destroyed.

Wildberries Chief Executive Officer Tatyana Kim said, “This is a terrible night for our company and for our country. It is impossible to express this pain in words.”

Smoke and Damage in Moscow

Thick black smoke was seen over Moscow on Saturday morning and remained visible until the afternoon.

Tambov Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov said seven night-shift workers were killed after a Wildberries logistics center, located about 500 kilometers southeast of Moscow, was hit by enemy drones.

Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said an oil depot and another Wildberries warehouse in the Moscow region were also attacked. He added that one person who had been receiving treatment in hospital later died.

Local authorities said firefighters were working to extinguish the fire in Elektrostal, in the Moscow region. The fire in the Tambov region was later brought under control. An empty kindergarten in Elektrostal was also damaged, but no casualties were reported there.

Authorities said about 60 people were injured in the attacks across the two regions and were taken to hospital.

Hundreds of Drones Target Moscow

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said more than 370 drones were launched toward the Moscow region overnight.

He also said that about 1,892 Ukrainian drones heading toward Moscow were intercepted between July 11 and July 18.