Ukrainian long-range drones struck a warehouse in Russia's Ural Mountains belonging to the country's largest online retailer, officials confirmed Friday. The facility, located in Yekaterinburg, Russia's fourth-largest city, is more than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) from the Ukrainian border.
The attack on the Wildberries warehouse saw three drones hit its roof, according to regional governor Denis Pasler. Artyom Zhoga, a Kremlin representative in the region, stated that 800 people were evacuated from the facility and no injuries were reported. Wildberries indicated that most merchandise remained undamaged, a contrast to previous attacks on its depots in recent weeks.
These strikes are part of Ukraine's strategy to utilize drone innovation in its defense against the larger Russian invasion. Kyiv has previously targeted distant locations in the Urals and even oil refineries in western Siberia, demonstrating a growing reach for its drone technology. Ukrainian officials report that the country has secured drone cooperation agreements with nine nations and is in negotiations with 15 others.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is emphasizing technological development, particularly in air defense. Ukraine faces challenges with Russian ballistic missile attacks, exacerbated by a shortage of American-made Patriot interceptor missiles. Zelenskyy announced Thursday that a joint European anti-ballistic development program involving 10 countries is underway, aimed at creating a large-scale defense shield that could benefit the entire continent.
"Ukraine is capable of producing its (anti-ballistic) missile and launcher, while our partners will provide the necessary components and critical elements — radars, sensors, and everything else required," Zelenskyy stated on social media. He also indicated progress in Ukraine's development of its own ballistic missiles, noting that tests have shown strong potential for conversion into operational weapons.
On the front lines, Ukrainian defenses in eastern regions remain under pressure. Russia has been attempting to advance after months of limited gains, which Western analysts note have come at a significant cost in Russian casualties. In the Donetsk region, Ukraine has been evacuating children from Kramatorsk, a city within its defensive "Fortress Belt."
Over the preceding 24 hours, more than 800 people, including 91 children, were evacuated from the Donetsk region, according to Vadym Filashkin, the head of the regional military administration.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported downing 203 Ukrainian drones between late Thursday and early Friday. Concurrently, Ukraine's air force stated that Russia launched 147 long-range strike drones. In Ukraine's Sumy region, a Russian drone struck a market Friday morning, injuring 10 people. Attacks involving glide bombs and drones also targeted residential buildings, transport, and infrastructure in the region, wounding two individuals.