A significant fire erupted at warehouse facilities near Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, following a Ukrainian drone attack targeting logistics sites in one of Kyiv’s latest long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure. Russian authorities reported that the overnight drone assault hit civilian infrastructure in the Leningrad region, causing thick smoke to fill the sky and triggering an emergency response from firefighters.
The warehouses are believed to belong to Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, leading to the temporary suspension of operations at two of its logistics centers after the attack. Officials in the Leningrad region confirmed that at least three individuals were injured during the incident. Air defense systems were deployed, and authorities claimed that dozens of Ukrainian drones were intercepted across the region.
Flight operations at Saint Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport experienced brief disruptions before resuming normal services. This recent strike is part of a growing Ukrainian campaign aimed at Russian logistics, energy, and industrial facilities located far from the frontlines.
Ukrainian officials have described these attacks as “long-range sanctions,” asserting that certain logistics hubs support Russia’s military supply chain by handling dual-use goods and equipment. Moscow has disputed these claims, maintaining that the warehouses are purely civilian facilities.
Wildberries confirmed that the affected warehouses had suspended operations but assured that staff were evacuated safely, with no fatalities reported. The company noted that some customer deliveries may face temporary delays throughout recovery efforts.
This warehouse attack is one in a series of similar drone strikes on Wildberries facilities across Russia in recent days, showcasing Ukraine’s increasing ability to target strategic economic locations hundreds of kilometers away from the battlefield. These repeated attacks have put additional strain on Russia’s logistics network and highlighted the growing reach of long-range drone warfare.
As the conflict enters a new phase of escalation, both Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange long-range aerial attacks, with infrastructure increasingly becoming a central aspect of the war. Analysts caution that ongoing strikes on logistics hubs, energy facilities, and transportation networks could further disrupt commercial activities and complicate efforts to revive diplomatic negotiations.
