'Russia opened Pandora’s box first, and now it’s paying for it': Are Wildberries warehouses legitimate targets? Meduza readers weigh in on Ukraine’s strikes
Ukraine has begun deliberately striking Wildberries warehouses, affecting thousands of Russians, sparking a debate among readers about the legitimacy and justification of such attacks.
The Ukrainian military has started regularly targeting warehouses of Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, directly impacting tens of thousands of people—employees of the marketplace and small business owners who rely on the platform. Meduza asked readers whether these strikes are justified.
One reader from St. Petersburg views the strikes as simple economic logic: inflict maximum damage on the enemy at minimal cost. He notes that if Ukraine finds them effective, more will follow, and warns that Russia cannot claim innocence after starting the war.
Another reader from Yekaterinburg dismisses the idea that military goods are stored in Wildberries warehouses, accusing Zelensky of lying to justify war crimes and calling the strikes fascist.
A Ukrainian reader supports the strikes as retaliation for Russia’s brutal attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, which have lasted for years. He argues that Russians should not live in comfort while their soldiers kill Ukrainians.
Several readers question the legitimacy. A woman from Rostov states that there is no proof the warehouses serve military purposes, and considers the strikes war crimes and self-deception. She finds it disturbing how easily propaganda works.
A reader from Moscow calls the strikes the first openly committed war crime deep in enemy territory, confirmed by Zelensky. He warns that if the justification of dual-use goods is accepted, any civilian target could be considered legitimate.
Some readers blame Russia’s leadership. A woman whose relatives lost 650,000 rubles in the strike on Elektrostal rejects attempts to equate Putin and Zelensky, emphasizing that Putin does not want peace.
A reader from St. Petersburg says any target except direct attacks on unarmed civilians is legal, and is surprised that Ozon and Yandex warehouses have not been targeted.
In contrast, a Moscow region resident whose company lost inventory does not see Wildberries as a legitimate target, arguing that retaliation should target the rulers’ luxuries, not ordinary people.
A resident of Noginsk expresses eagerness for the state to surrender, saying that more attacks strengthen that wish.
