At least 21 people have been killed in a fresh wave of Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, as Kyiv simultaneously intensified its long-range drone campaign against logistics facilities inside Russia, marking another sharp escalation in the ongoing war.
The latest Russian strikes hit multiple regions across Ukraine, damaging civilian infrastructure and humanitarian facilities. Among the affected sites was a warehouse operated by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Dnipro, where aid supplies intended for vulnerable communities were damaged during the bombardment. Ukrainian officials condemned the attacks, describing them as another assault on critical civilian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued expanding its strategy of targeting Russian logistics networks with long-range drones. The campaign began over the weekend with strikes on major Wildberries distribution warehouses in Kotovsk and Elektrostal, facilities Kyiv alleges are linked to Russia’s military supply chain. Russia denies the accusation, insisting the warehouses are civilian logistics centres.
On Wednesday, Ukrainian drones struck additional logistics hubs in Russia’s Krasnodar and Stavropol regions, which Ukrainian officials claim are used to store military drone components and navigation equipment. The attacks temporarily disrupted warehouse operations and added pressure to Russia’s domestic supply network.
Early on Thursday, the campaign reached the outskirts of Saint Petersburg, where another Wildberries warehouse caught fire following a drone strike. Regional authorities said three people were injured, while operations at two logistics centres were suspended. Air traffic around Pulkovo Airport also experienced temporary disruptions as air defense systems responded to the attack.
The recent strikes reflect a growing shift in Ukraine’s strategy, moving beyond military targets to disrupt logistics infrastructure that Kyiv says supports Russia’s war effort. Analysts say the attacks have begun affecting Russia’s consumer economy, with Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, reportedly suffering significant operational disruptions after multiple warehouse strikes in less than a week.
As both sides continue exchanging long-range attacks, hopes for a near-term de-escalation remain slim, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the conflict.
