Ukraine launches one of its biggest strikes on Russia this year, targeting Wildberries warehouses and a missile plant
On July 24, Ukraine carried out a massive drone attack, one of the largest this year, hitting Wildberries logistics facilities in several regions and a missile plant in Kirov.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported that air defenses shot down 571 Ukrainian drones overnight on July 24 over 15 regions, occupied Crimea, and the Azov and Black Seas. Russian state news agency TASS called it one of the biggest attacks of the year, comparable to June 26 when 660 drones were destroyed. The total number of drones launched is unknown.
The attack targeted warehouses of Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer. Large fires broke out at logistics complexes in Shushary (St. Petersburg) and the Utkina Zavod industrial zone (Leningrad region). Operations were suspended, and a criminal case was opened for terrorism. Firefighting helicopters were deployed. Leningrad regional authorities reported several injured, specifying three. Wildberries claimed no injuries due to early evacuation.
A Wildberries sorting center in occupied Simferopol was also hit, with a fire reported. Company head Tatyana Kim confirmed the attack, saying some floor space and goods were saved and staff evacuated urgently. Independent Telegram channel Astra reported two other warehouses in Utkina Zavod caught fire, one belonging to the construction firm Petrovich, the other's owner unknown. In Sinyavino village, Leningrad region, a poultry farm warehouse collapsed after a drone strike.
Ukraine also struck the Avitek missile plant in Kirov. Local authorities confirmed the attack, but Governor Alexander Sokolov did not specify the enterprise. Injuries were reported, but the exact number is unknown. Avitek produces military and civilian goods, including aircraft components and missiles, and is under U.S. and other sanctions. Ukraine has not commented on the latest strikes, but President Zelensky previously stated that Ukrainian forces target logistics centers supplying the Russian military.
