Ukrainian Strikes on Wildberries Warehouses Near Moscow and Tambov: Eight Dead

Ukrainian forces carried out strikes early on July 18 against two of the largest warehouses operated by Russian online retailer Wildberries. One facility was hit in Elektrostal, outside Moscow, and the other in Kotovsk, a small city in the Tambov region. The attacks resulted in eight deaths (all in Kotovsk) and 80 injuries across both sites.

In response, Tambov Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov announced payments of 1.5 million rubles to the families of the deceased, 600,000 rubles to the seriously wounded, and 300,000 rubles to those with minor injuries. Wildberries CEO Tatyana Kim stated the company is still calculating compensation for sellers, but a company statement clarified that sellers will not receive direct compensation. Instead, they are offered free delivery to regional warehouses, discounted loans through WB Bank, and free insurance consultations from Sber.

Local residents expressed fear and frustration. A woman at a pickup point complained about order delays lasting over 10 days. A shift worker whose assignment to the Kotovsk warehouse was canceled described the situation as "fucked" and said people were killed. Two college students noted that sirens sound at night and that many are scared. An argument broke out between two elderly women on Kommunalnaya Street over political views related to the war.

Some local community groups on social media appear to be removing posts about the attack, though some still remain. No official mourning period was declared, but concerts and entertainment events were canceled. Residents brought flowers to a commemorative stone at the Kotovsk warehouse site. The warehouse is scheduled to resume operations on July 23.