Ukraine launched drone strikes targeting logistics centers of Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, early Wednesday, igniting large infernos in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk. Tatyana Kim, head and co-founder of Wildberries, confirmed the attacks and stated that employees were evacuated, though several sustained injuries. Social media footage, verified by Reuters, showed massive plumes of black smoke rising from the burning warehouses.
These strikes occurred hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Oleksandr Syrskyi, the country's army Commander-in-Chief. This move followed the earlier removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that had prompted nationwide protests. Following the demonstrations, Zelensky announced Fedorov would be reinstated in a significant government role.
Syrskyi, who had held the Commander-in-Chief position since early 2024, stated in a Telegram message that he was handing over an army capable of both defense and offense. He indicated that history would reveal details of operations carried out during his tenure. Zelensky announced that Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi would succeed Syrskyi. Drapatyi, 43, is known for his embrace of drone warfare and high-tech military applications.
Syrskyi, 60, played crucial roles in Kyiv's defense early in the conflict and in the 2022 counteroffensive that retook territory in the Kharkiv region. However, he faced criticism for a rigid command style that some service members attributed to high troop losses. Fedorov, 35, a tech-savvy reformer, was ousted in a wider government reshuffle last week, exposing divisions within Ukraine's defense leadership. Syrskyi was reportedly nicknamed 'The Butcher' due to his perceived willingness to sustain heavy losses to hold frontlines.
The attacks on the Wildberries bases in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk are estimated to have caused over £1 billion in damages. Ten individuals were injured in the Krasnodar strike. These attacks are seen as directly impacting Russia's economy, potentially increasing pressure on President Vladimir Putin to pursue peace talks. Similar strikes hit two other Wildberries hubs in Elektrostal and the Tambov region over the weekend, causing an estimated £1.5 billion in damages, with the Elektrostal center reportedly left in ruins.
Ukraine alleges that the Kremlin-linked Wildberries supplies the Russian military. The online marketplace is owned by Tatyana Kim, described as Russia's richest woman with a fortune of £6.1 billion. A firefighting helicopter was deployed to combat the blaze in Krasnodar. The fires at these significant Wildberries facilities highlight perceived failures in Russia's air defense systems.
In addition to the Wildberries strikes, a major oil depot in Armavir, Krasnodar region, was ablaze after an attack by at least 16 Ukrainian drones, resulting in one fatality and aiming to exacerbate existing fuel shortages. Occupied Crimea also experienced blackouts following Ukrainian strikes on power plants. These actions by Ukraine are seen as a response to Russian strikes on Nova Poshta logistics centers in Odesa and its port. Reports also indicate that five people, including three children, were injured in a Russian strike on the Kyiv region.
Drapatyi, the incoming Commander-in-Chief, is described by colleagues as a new-generation general shaped by combat experience. His career includes significant actions in the Donbas in 2014 and leading encircled forces to safety. Following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, he became a key commander in critical front-line areas. As commander of the land forces, he initiated reforms in recruitment and training, aiming to foster initiative and flexibility. His tenure was briefly interrupted when he resigned as commander of the land forces, taking responsibility after an army training center strike in June 2025 resulted in casualties. He was subsequently appointed to the more combat-focused role of joint forces commander.