Ukraine strikes two more Wildberries warehouses; new commander vows to intensify operations

Ukraine has struck two more warehouses belonging to Russia's online retailer Wildberries, the company's co-founder Tatyana Kim said on Wednesday. According to Kim, attacks occurred in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk in the Stavropol region. The governor of Krasnodar region reported that a young woman was killed and three others were hospitalized. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the strikes targeted logistics hubs that supply the Russian military with drone components and other equipment. Ukraine, whose own cities are under constant attack, insists it is hitting companies and infrastructure that support the Russian military. Meanwhile, Ukraine's new top military commander, Mykhailo Drapatyi, said he has been tasked with intensifying counteroffensive operations and launching new operations inside Russia. “The president of Ukraine has set clear objectives for us: to continue and intensify offensive operations in all domains, to plan new operations behind enemy lines,” he said. Drapatyi's appointment has drawn widespread support, reflecting his high standing across political, military and civil society circles. However, a political crisis continues in Kyiv, with Zelenskyy under pressure to reinstate Mykhailo Fedorov. Protesters are planning a demonstration outside the presidential office on Friday evening. A Russian attack damaged an energy facility in Ukraine's northern Chernihiv region, leaving more than 100,000 consumers without power, according to a regional electricity distribution company. Repair work will begin as soon as the security situation allows. European Union forces boarded the oil tanker MV South Star after it was suspected of sailing under a false flag in breach of international maritime law, said EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas. She said the move targeted Russia's “shadow fleet” carrying sanctioned Russian oil. The EU is pushing to overcome an objection from Greece and agree on new sanctions against Russia to limit its fossil fuel revenues. Member states have temporarily agreed to maintain a price cap on Russian oil at $44 for a week. Zelenskyy said he spoke with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Wednesday, calling it a “good, important conversation” on reinvigorating diplomacy and bringing peace closer. He also met with US NATO envoy Matthew Whitaker in Kyiv to discuss production licenses for Patriot air defense systems, asking for faster action and greater support.