Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Wildberries Warehouses, Causing Fatalities

By David Okafor

Ukrainian drones struck two logistics centers operated by Russian online retailer Wildberries on July 18, 2026, resulting in multiple casualties and significant damage. The attacks targeted facilities in Kotovsk, Tambov Region, and Elektrostal, Moscow Region.

In Kotovsk, Tambov Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov reported that seven night-shift workers were killed and around 24 to 25 others were injured. A fire broke out at the site, which firefighting teams managed to extinguish after several hours. During the operation, 28 attacking drones were reportedly shot down.

In Elektrostal, a similar drone strike caused a major fire and left 24 people injured, with some in serious condition. Wildberries' press service acknowledged the attacks and expressed condolences for the fatalities in Kotovsk but did not provide casualty figures for the Elektrostal site.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the targeted sites as crucial logistics facilities supplying sanctioned components for drone and navigation equipment production. He emphasized their strategic importance, noting their locations over 500 km from the front line.