Ukrainian Drone Strike on Wildberries Warehouses Near Moscow Kills One, Injures 61 – Meduza Publishes Ground Report
A Ukrainian drone attack on Wildberries warehouses in Elektrostal and an oil depot in Noginsk left one dead and 61 injured, causing a massive fire and damage estimated at over 50 billion rubles. Meduza republiches a report from the scene.
Attack and Aftermath
On the night of July 19, 2026, Ukrainian drones struck the Wildberries warehouse complex in Elektrostal and an oil depot in Noginsk, both in the Moscow region. The attack killed one person and injured 61. Nine of the injured are in serious condition, 31 in moderate condition. Most suffered shrapnel and blast injuries, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, burns, and smoke inhalation.
The resulting fire produced a column of smoke visible for 175 kilometers (109 miles), covering parts of the Moscow region. Preliminary damage estimates exceed 50 billion rubles, and up to 15% of Wildberries' warehouse space may have been affected. Merchants selling on the platform have lost millions of rubles and worry about compensation.
Local Reactions
The report describes how residents of Elektrostal reacted. Many expressed anger that officials were "vacationing abroad" while people suffered from drone attacks. Locals spread rumors that hundreds had died in the fire, though only one death was officially confirmed. Some were upset that fire hydrants failed to work, while others debated whether Wildberries would compensate losses.
Firefighting Efforts
Dozens of fire trucks and several helicopters were deployed, but the effort appeared ineffective from outside – the flames did not recede. Periodic explosions sounded from within the fire, and metal structures threatened to collapse. Some walls dangerously leaned toward the crowd.
Impact on Workers and Merchants
Many people gathered at the scene were current or former Wildberries employees. Some tried to retrieve personal cars parked on the warehouse grounds, but most vehicles were damaged – melted or buried under twisted metal. Only Emergency Situations Ministry personnel were allowed to drive them out if safe.
Damaged Kindergarten
Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov reported that drone debris damaged one of Elektrostal's kindergartens, but no one was hurt. The kindergarten is a few kilometers from the warehouses. Fragments of broken glass were found, but no soot traces indicating a direct hit.
